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USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of tightening supplies across the U.S. beef industry. As of January 1, 2026, the total U.S. cattle and calf inventory stood at 86.2 million head, down slightly from a year ago. The report keeps the industry on a familiar trajectory, as...
Korean consumer confidence in safety of U.S. beef reaches new heights
In 2008, Korean citizens protested the return of U.S. beef to the market following a 2003 finding of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Now, according to the latest consumer perception survey, a record 70% of Korean consumers say U.S. beef is safe, and nearly 70%...
Iowa Pork Producers Association welcomes new president Matt Gent
The Iowa Pork Producers Association holds its annual meeting each year during the week of pork congress in Des Moines as the president-elect moves into the role of president. At last week’s meeting Matt Gent succeeded Trish Cook as the new president of the IPPA, with...
Food price inflation subsided in 2023
USDA’s Economic Research Service says food-at-home prices increased by five percent in 2023, much lower than the growth rate in 2022 of 11 percent. However, that was still double the historical annual average growth rate from 2003 to 2022, which was 2.5 percent. All...
State Ag Directors agree a Farm Bill must be done this year
We have talked a lot about the Farm Bill, its extension, and its outdated data that is still the basis for food policy in the United States. We have talked in-depth about the gridlock facing the Farm Bill in Congress and how the American people are hanging in the...
Carbon markets can also benefit livestock producers
Carbon markets aren’t just for grain producers to take advantage of. Livestock producers can also utilize certain grazing practices to get some extra revenue from carbon market programs. Del Ficke of Graze Master talked about the opportunities that are available to...
Now’s a great time to evaluate your farm buildings
With the new year comes the potential for lots of changes, even on the farm. Dennis Lee, farm product line manager for Morton Buildings, said it’s a great time to evaluate your farm buildings and see if you need something new. Lee said there are a lot of factors that...
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Ethanol industry eyeing 2025 Clean Fuel Tax Credit for SAF
The ethanol industry is keeping a close eye on the pending Treasury Department Clean Fuel Tax Credit, a key for sustainable aviation fuel after a just-finished credit quickly expires. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp said the now final 45 B tax credit for...
International Longshoreman’s Association contract talks at standstill
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor...
U.S. cattle herd contraction continues
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report was published on Friday June 21st and is considered somewhat bearish when compared to the industry’s pre-report estimates. The June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not feature any big surprises, but the placements number was up...
Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa flooding
Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The letter requests activation of the Federal...
USDA hopes to level poultry playing field in Packers & Stockyard changes
Many lawmakers, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, have advocated for upgrades to the Packers & Stockyards Act. This bill is over a hundred years old and currently needs an upgrade for modern times. While it has been a source of geographical contention for...
