Top Stories
Questions remain with U.S.-China trade deal
It’s been an interesting time in the soybean market, especially when it comes to trade with China. Initially, it was great to hear that the U.S. and China agreed to a trade framework that included China making U.S. soybean purchases. Jim McCormick, chief operating officer at AgMarket.Net, said he was pleased to hear about this, but he had some questions concerning the agreement. McCormick said the U.S. and China don’t technically have a signed agreement yet, so this framework could still fall...
Millions of birds die during two years of bird flu
One-fourth of America’s bird flu losses during outbreaks beginning in early 2022 were recorded during the final quarter of 2023. USDA data says that’s when the disease staged a resurgence. Approximately 20.9 million birds were culled in infected domestic flocks from...
How much moisture help will this snow bring?
Old Man Winter is finally here after an extended vacation. He is already bringing heavy snow just off to our west, and as the day proceeds it will make its way across the state. Check local listings, but the main call from the National Weather Service is for 6-12...
Cattle and swine markets trying to stay above moving averages
The grain markets have not had the best start to the year, but the cattle markets look like they could trend upwards after putting in lows last month. AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Kaden Sweeney said the cattle markets have been sitting above the moving averages,...
Livestock insurance products see big increase in demand
Livestock Risk Management products are in high demand, showing “astronomical” growth, according to USDA’s Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger. Bunger tells the National Cattlemen’s Beltway Beef podcast that insurance products like Livestock Risk...
College may become even more expensive for farming families
Whether you’ve put your kids through college or gone through it yourself, it’s a widely known fact that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process can be very stressful. Unfortunately, it looks like that process could now create even more of a...
SNAP participation varied across states in fiscal year 2022
New data released by USDA's Economic Research Service shows that in fiscal year 2022, USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program served an average of 41.1 million people per month in the 50 states and Washington, DC. SNAP is the largest domestic nutrition...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-23-24)
The USDA released another low-key export sales report this week, with both corn and soybeans coming within the estimates once again. However, this is looking great for corn, as that market has now seen five consecutive weeks of decent or better export sales. Allendale...
USDA funding expanded opportunities for overseas markets
The USDA is allocating $300 million to 66 organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency launched RAPP in October 2023 to expand marketing opportunities overseas for American agricultural...
E15 ready for the summer driving season
This weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer. Many schools are out, pools are opening, grills are heating up, and vacations are being planned. That is why with all the busy activities you have planned; it is important to save money wherever you can. That is where...
Previously dry soils are now too wet in some areas
While we have received a lot of rain recently, it still has not been enough to rid the state of drought yet. In fact, large portions of the state are still in drought conditions. Mark Licht, Iowa State University professor of agronomy and ISU Extension and Outreach...
Increased tariffs on Chinese imports could cause retaliation
The Biden administration is continuing current tariffs and adding new ones. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that the increases are primarily tech focused. Salmonsen says there are a couple of reasons...
