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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 prices are on the rise. Jekanowski explains that lower numbers in the steer and heifer slaughter for this month have lowered the beef production forecast. That was USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark...
Drought coverage for crops and commodities mostly in decline
The month of June provided favorable weather conditions for crop growth for much of the Midwest including Iowa. Consistent, timely rainfall for most of Iowa with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures has set Iowa up well for the heart of the growing season. USDA...
American Butter Institute urges FDA to take action against a new “dairy-free butter” product
A new product from Country Crock labeled as “dairy-free butter” has sparked growing concern within the dairy industry. Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), butter is defined as a product made “exclusively from milk or cream, or both.” This means that...
Alongside President Trump in Iowa, Secretary Rollins calls for celebration of America 250
President Donald J. Trump held a massive celebration on the eve of Independence Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where he launched the year-long Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The Great American State Fair will travel across the...
China trade impasse drags down May U.S. red meat exports
Global trade is continuing to impact cattle and hog prices in Iowa and across the entire country. Exports of U.S. pork and beef trended lower in May, due primarily to steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S....
Congress plans to scrap USDA climate hubs, following Trump guidance
The Ames, Iowa-based Midwest Climate Hub, which along with the other 10 regional climate hubs under the USDA, is slated to be cut from the federal agriculture budget. The U.S. House appropriations bill that sets the 2026 fiscal year budgets for agriculture, rural...
Retailers plans for feature protein deals for grilling season
As we are now in the heart of the summer grilling season, consumers are busy studying their weekly store fliers and ads for some featured deals in the meat section. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell explains an advertising method used by groceries and retailers...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-19-25)
Corn and soybean exports continue to go down two opposite paths, as corn sales are performing admirably while soybeans lag behind. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers from the USDA. While this week’s numbers weren’t awful...
Thune says farm disaster aid threatened by shutdown
There is another impasse in Washington D.C. as Senate leaders blame each other for a possible October 1st government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that Democratic leaders have opposed a partisan shutdown in the past. However, Senate Minority Leader...
Farmers report grim economic outlook
An overwhelming majority of corn growers from across the United States say that the nation’s farm economy is possibly already in a crisis or on the brink of one, according to a new survey released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). “Farmers are in a lot...
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act provides nutrition and choice
The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs play an important role in promoting the consumption of healthy foods, including dairy. However, school meal rules that have been in effect since 2012 only allow 1% and fat-free milk options. Miquela Hanselman, Director...
GROWMARK experts preparing Iowa producers for harvest energy needs
As farmers prepare for harvest, propane supply looks solid while diesel availability could pose challenges. Jay Christie, energy development specialist for New Century FS, says the fall energy outlook offers both stability and concern depending on the fuel in...
