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May meat exports paint a complex picture
Exports of U.S. beef and pork were held back in May by key market access issues, beginning with suspensions of beef plants in China. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, market access issues in China and Mexico have limited U.S. beef and pork exports. For him, addressing this issue is vital for boosting market expansion. Despite those challenges, Halstrom noted that overall exports were strong, with pork leading the way. As he noted, this is proof that people are still trusting...
Dairy & soybean producer talks about the value of Soy Checkoff
The United Soybean Board, through the soybean checkoff, continues to invest in innovative ways to add value to U.S. soybeans. One area that shows strong potential is incorporating High-Oleic soybeans into livestock feeds, something we've highlighted in the past. Now,...
Warm and dry weather allowed for wide-open planting window
Iowa farmers have been treated to a mostly wide-open window for planting season this year, with warm and dry weather allowing for great working conditions. With most of the crops in the ground, we’re now hoping for some rain- and it looks like those prayers will be...
Trends in first meat export forecast for 2026
USDA has published its initial projections for the 2026 calendar year meat export forecast. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the beef export forecast is down, due to tightening beef supplies. On the other hand, pork and broiler export...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
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State Fair showcases the heart of Iowa agriculture
Yesterday, we celebrated the grit and legacy of Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farm families, but that is just one piece of the agricultural spotlight at the Iowa State Fair. Across the fairgrounds, agriculture takes center stage in ways both big and really big, from the...
Connecting consumers with dairy producers at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a major opportunity to connect consumers with the farmers who raise their food. One of the most in-depth experiences is in the dairy industry, as fairgoers can witness the milking process, milk a cow themselves, and watch youth connect with the...
Iowa raised “Judah” wins the 2025 ISF Big Ram Competition
Abby Willson of Shell Rock Iowa and her 7-year old Columbia ram “Judah” are the winners of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition. Judah weighed in at 505 ½ pounds to win a close contest inside the sheep barn on the first day of the 2025 fair. Abby Willson is a...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
