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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 many demand conversations happening this summer. With the high prices consumers are paying for beef at the meat counter, some consumers turn their attention to pork cuts instead. Cook said there are a few factors that come into...
Pushing to update conservation processes in Iowa
With the current restrictions on water usage in the Des Moines metro, water conservation practices are at the forefront of discussion. While we have many new practices that offer plenty of benefits for farmers and the nearby waterways, it can be difficult to make...
Iowa specialty crop growers can take advantage of new USDA funds
America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture. As a result, the USDA recently started doling out funds earmarked for specialty crop growers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American...
Grills and gatherings spotlight Iowa agriculture
Summer in Iowa means more than just sunshine and warm weather — it’s a season packed with hometown festivals, bustling county fairs, and backyard barbecues. From Main Street parades to pork chops on the grill, these events celebrate the best of Iowa communities and...
Big Beautiful Bill receives final approval from U.S. House
President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is done and headed the Independence Day signing that he was looking for. After a lengthy process, farmers will now get updated reference prices; improved crop insurance, livestock, and trade programs; and key tax breaks. House...
Grassley says reconciliation bill contains “key wins for farmers”
On Thursday the United States House of Representatives passed the reconciliation bill by a vote of 218-214. The bill was unchanged from the Senate’s version which passed earlier in the week. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) opened his weekly conference call...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-3-25)
The latest U.S. Export Sales Report had good numbers for both corn and soybeans as we head into an extended holiday weekend. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers might look lower, but they’re still performing better than the average. McBride...
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More Ag News
Impending government shutdown needs to be avoided
Every year, Congress needs to pass 12 appropriations bills to keep the government fully funded. With the September 30th deadline quickly approaching, Congress still needs to pass 9 more bills. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Director of Government Affairs Tanner...
NCGA announces winners of Consider Corn Challenge
The Bio Innovations Midwest Conference just concluded in Omaha, Nebraska, where bio-based products and new ideas took center stage. It was the perfect place for the National Corn Growers Association to announce the winners of its 5th Consider Corn Challenge, finding...
Most of the U.S. experiencing unusually warm temperatures for mid-September
Much of the nation has been experiencing above normal temperatures for mid-September. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that despite temperatures remaining warm in the Midwest, the core area of high temperatures will shift soon. Higher than normal temperatures will...
Trump tariffs could fund bailout for US farmers
The Trump Administration is drawing up plans to use tariff revenue to fund a program to support U.S. farmers, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. "There may be circumstances under which we will be very seriously...
Pork industry eyes impact of MAHA guidelines
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report has finally delivered its long-awaited recommendations, and agriculture is watching closely. The findings are expected to influence how federal agencies shape farm policy, food production, and the role of agriculture in...
