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Representing the Iowa cattle industry at CattleCon
The cattle industry convention and NCBA trade show is in Nashville Tennessee this week and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is in attendance to represent Iowa’s producers. Bryan Whaley is the CEO of the ICA and says that Iowa’s producers and ICA staff are in Nashville and using their voices to help shape the policy and future of the cattle industry in the United States. Each region of the country features different sectors of the cattle industry and faces unique challenges. However, Iowa is...
Recapping the winter weather season
For the most part, the 2024-2025 winter season in Iowa was mild with warmer temperatures and not much precipitation to help replenish soil moisture levels. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that the final numbers from the winter months of December, January, and...
Producers have until April 15th to enroll in key safety net programs
Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025 to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm...
Secretary Naig praises Iowa farmers during Iowa Ag Week
National Ag Week and Day were two weeks ago, and Iowa celebrated Iowa Ag Week last week. However, the events come to a culmination tonight in Ankeny for the Ag Leaders Dinner. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to speak along with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig. It’s...
Enhanced corn traits can help battle rootworm pressure
The weather has warmed up significantly as of late, and that means that planting season is right around the corner. The team at DEKALB is excited to see how the proven VT4PRO technology will perform against this year’s pest pressure. Seth Irwin, DEKALB product...
Understanding the importance of rural roadway infrastructure
An often overlooked but vital aspect of rural life is the safety and maintenance of highways, roads and bridges. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing recently testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways...
Lower hog and pig inventory for 2025 first quarter
USDA released the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report for first quarter 2025 on Thursday March 27th. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the inventory of hogs in the United States is lower than at this time last year. He expands on the numbers for the...
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U.S.-China trade a top focus at USMEF Spring Conference
The U.S.-China trade relationship was a major focus of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, which wrapped up Friday, May 23rd, in Fort Worth, Texas. Guest speaker John Newton, the executive head of Terrain, said he expects the current tariff...
Cattle industry prepares for USMCA review
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has once again brought trade policy to the forefront of national discussion. His previous use of tariffs is now facing scrutiny from the U.S. Court of International Trade, reigniting debate over their impact. But...
Iowa is still slightly dry, but rains have been helpful
The beginning of May was quite dry compared to years past, but the last third of the month brought enough rain to make it wetter than average overall. The timing couldn’t have been much better either, as many farmers were able to get their crops in the ground before...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-30-25)
The USDA released its weekly U.S. Export Sales Report on Thursday. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were decent this week, but that’s still high for what we expect at this time of year. On the other hand, soybean exports were slightly lower...
Quantifying genetics can lead to premium profits
Beef demand remains strong, but it’s important to always be thinking about the future and ways to improve production practices and maximize return on investment. Kara Lee, director of producer engagement for Certified Angus Beef, says that a focus on quality genetics...
