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Iowa cattle producers can turn calf health into sale-day value
Calves in today’s market are bringing strong prices, but what you put into them only pays off if buyers recognize it. With calves representing a high-value investment, new auction data shows buyers are willing to pay more when calves have a clear health history. Chris Thomsen, beef technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health, talked about what management programs and health protocols drive added value and how producers can better position their calves to capture it. Thomsen said a...
Tariff uncertainty continues to cloud trade outlook
Trade policy remains a major focus for businesses and commodity markets as uncertainty continues surrounding U.S. tariffs. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act...
Lower supplies, higher prices in latest USDA beef outlook
Recent trends within the industry have continued in the latest USDA beef production and price forecasts as part of the July meat outlook. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says with another month of tightening supplies, the projected steer...
Consumers looking at pork as beef prices remain high
2025 offered some great profit opportunities to swine producers as they enjoyed strong demand and lower input costs. Fortunately, some of those profit opportunities have carried into 2026. Holly Cook, economist with the National Pork Producers Council, said there are...
Iowa hosts largest barn tour in the world – September 19-20
If you are looking for something different to do on a September weekend, consider taking a self-guided tour of Iowa’s historic barns. The Iowa Barn Foundation is holding its 26th Annual All-State Barn Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, featuring over 100...
New Canada-U.S. trade route now open
Monday, July 27th should finally see an official opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, with that date confirmed by Washington and Ottawa. While the details have not yet been made public, the new agreement is based on an initial 15-year term. This new...
Farmers weigh fungicide against tight margins
Even with crops looking good across much of Iowa, many producers are still facing difficult financial decisions. Depressed commodity prices and elevated input costs continue to squeeze profit margins, forcing farmers to carefully evaluate every input they purchase....
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More Ag News
R-CALF says imports hinder herd growth
The U.S. cattle herd remains at its lowest level in decades, leaving beef supplies historically tight and raising questions about when producers will begin expanding their herds. While economists often point to cattle prices, forage conditions, and producer...
House approves additional farm aid
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $12 billion in additional farm aid as part of its budget reconciliation package. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the struggles of the farm economy have made...
USDA moves forward with mandatory relocation despite pushback
The USDA Rural Development Mission Area intends to move nearly 3,000 members of its workforce out of the Washington, DC area, according to a report from Meatingplace. The relocation aims to modernize operations, increase accountability, and ensure federal resources...
Heavy rain hits crops in central Iowa again
Earlier this week, torrential rains hit central Iowa once again via a windbag storm. On top of the rain, heavy wind and hail damaged crops in some parts of the state. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said that, while central and eastern Iowa...
Record voter support for E15 captures Senate’s attention
A new voter poll shows record support for all year around higher-ethanol fuel blend. Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, wants to use the data to advance year-round E15 legislation through the Senate. He explains that voter support for...
