Top Stories
USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to increase to 10% in 2027 and 15% in 2028. This announcement represents a much more measured approach than some of the potential actions USTR proposed in October, which included possible suspension of Nicaragua’s CAFTA-DR benefits...
Traceability is key to managing foreign animal diseases
Biosecurity has never been more important for the nation’s pork farms, especially in the face of diseases like PRRS and African Swine Fever. Dr. Brent Pepin, director of swine health at the National Pork Board, said the industry is working together to improve...
State disasters declared due to flooding
The governors of Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota have all issued emergency declarations as heavy rains that began late last week flooded several rivers in the Upper Midwest. A large number of counties in southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and...
Summer cookout prices are at an all-time high
It’s a common complaint we are hearing during this time of economic hardship; grocery prices are way too high. It wasn’t that long ago when $100 bought you a fully loaded cart, now it buys you three or four bags full if you are lucky. This has negatively affected...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-25-24)
The weather in South America still has not changed much, but at the very least it has been predictable at this point. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current and upcoming conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said that weather...
With wet soils, keep an eye out for nitrogen loss
Recent heavy rainfall not only delayed planting in many areas, but it’s also causing concern about soils becoming susceptible to nitrogen loss. Dr. Clayton Nevins, senior agronomic scientist for Pivot Bio, says this spring is a big change from last year. Dr. Nevins...
Prioritizing water quality to raise healthy pigs
In the swine industry producers are well versed in what it takes to raise healthy pigs sustainably. However, one of the areas of raising hogs that can get overlooked is water quality. Water quality issues are often addressed only after they have become an issue....
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More Ag News
Scientists examining corporate influence over food and farm bill
The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a report analyzing the influence of lobbying on food and agriculture systems. The report finds that agribusinesses, industry associations, and other interest groups have spent more than US$500 million to influence...
Crop protection doesn’t end in the field
We talk about what we need to do to protect our crops in the fields. We use various tools meant to protect our hard work from weeds, disease, and insects. We invest a lot of money into the plants we grow in the field and don’t want to see that investment endangered....
Small changes make the October WASDE report “neutral”
USDA published the October WASDE report at 11am on Friday morning and made slight changes to the numbers that can cause a reaction in the ag markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride says the report was not far off from industry expectations going into Friday,...
Seasonal farm-to-table dinner series to highlight Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Tourism Office and Choose Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association to launch a seasonal farm-to-table dinner series, celebrating the connection between Iowa’s agricultural diversity and its culinary talent. The first dinner will take place on...
August red meat exports show mixed results
Fueled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of U.S. pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). On the other hand, U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in...
