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Chaos in the cattle complex
After a sustained run of lofty prices, we have seen a substantial selloff in the cattle complex in recent weeks. Commodity broker Eric Relph of Commstock Investments says that we have seen multiple limit down moves in recent trading days. Relph says traders are now concerned about the potential of the U.S.-Mexico border reopening which would bring an influx of feeder cattle into the United States. He adds that many in the industry are pointing to a potential border reopening around the month...
Insect populations thriving after drought and long switch to autumn
As the weather turns cooler, we start to look forward to a few things. Probably one of the best things about cold weather is that the bugs die. However, we aren’t quite there yet. They are also making their winter preparations, or they are trying to hitch a ride into...
Global meat industry leaders gather in the Netherlands
Representatives of the meat industry from around the globe gathered in the Netherlands last week for the World Meat Congress, a function of the International Meat Secretariat (IMS). The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) was represented at the event by President and...
Adding revenue streams through sustainable farming practices
In 2022 Farmers Business Network and ADM began a collaboration which allowed ADM customers to find sustainability programs through the FBN technology platform. Kurt Alles, senior manager of sustainability at FBN, says that farmers can build additional revenue streams...
Iowa’s best tenderloin has been found
A successful hunt for the best tenderloin in the State of Iowa. Cliffs Place in Manning is where you’ll find it, congratulations to owners Jim and Jon Waterbury as the winners of the 2023 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest. It’s a prestigious honor from the...
Record cash receipts from commodity sales in 2022
American farms reported record cash receipts of $555 billion from the sales of all commodities in 2022. This beat the previous high from 2014 by 3.1 percent after adjusting both amounts for inflation and was 28 percent above the 20-year average level. The 2022 record...
Soybeans are a huge impact on the American economy
Soybeans are amazing little seeds. We can do so much with them. Whether it is for feeding humans and animals, fueling our cars, being part of the rubber in tires and shoes, or sealing the road surfaces we drive on; that little bean is everywhere and is an essential...
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More Ag News
NCBA encouraged by final “Product of USA” rule
USDA this week finalized its “Product of USA” rule. Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association executive director of government affairs, says he is encouraged by the action. Now comes review of the final rule. Bacus says NCBA will be looking closely at...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-14-24)
After a bullish WASDE report last week, this week’s export sales report was extremely neutral. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said both corn and soybeans came within expectations this week. There have been a lot of sales cancellations from China lately with...
USDA: Iowa leads all states in hog production
New data confirms Iowa is the top producer of hogs in the United States, with about $10.9 billion in cash receipts in 2022, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Cash receipts represent the value of sales of hogs by farmers to processors or final users....
National Ag Day to be celebrated next week
March 19th is National Ag Day. It’s a celebration of the hard work and dedication of American farmers to feed the world. Increasingly we are finding ourselves having to educate our consumers and defend against slanted misinformation. The day is a great way to also...
Nitrogen stabilization key for spring application
A very mild fall and winter allowed for plenty of early nitrogen work to be done, which has set up an interesting planting season. Andrew Luzum, nutrient maximizer specialist with Corteva Agriscience, gave an update on how the soil is faring heading into this spring....
