Top Stories
Producers urged to rethink screwworm wound risks
Producers have received plenty of updates from USDA about New World Screwworm, most of which focus on border surveillance, wildlife movement, and federal protocols. But the greatest threat to livestock may not be at the border at all. It may be on the farm, where everyday management practices can create fresh entry points for the fly to exploit. That is where the perspective of Elanco’s Dr. Wayne Ayers becomes essential, because he says the behavior of this pest is very different from what...
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We have talked a lot about the Farm Bill, its extension, and its outdated data that is still the basis for food policy in the United States.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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Legislation creating uncertainty for pork producers
When California’s Prop 12 legislation was enacted into law to begin 2024 it signaled a major change for the pork production industry with one state enacting a law that determined how pork was raised across the country. For pork products to be sold in California they...
Iowans encouraged to visit farmers markets
As summer kicks off, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowa families to visit and support the more than 200 farmers markets located across the state. Farmers markets and farm stands provide consumers with easy access to local fruits, vegetables,...
ISU developed test to detect Japanese encephalitis virus
In 2013, when the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus made its way to the U.S., the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (ISU VDL) had to design a high-capacity test to keep up with the outbreak. Now there’s another disease that’s made a global spread. Japanese...
April pork exports largest in almost three years
April exports of U.S. pork reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued...
NPPC Working with our neighbors to protect our animal populations
Global trade is a complex thing. There are agreements in place, tariffs, trade barriers, and the list goes on and on. It’s not just saying, “Hey we would like to sell you some food.” And they respond, “Okay here’s our money.” There are so many rules, regulations, and...
