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PFI hosts 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosted the 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this week. The two-day event brought together all members of the meat industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. Amos Johnson, livestock education coordinator with PFI, said the event started off with a small tour across central Iowa. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people started to notice certain weaknesses of the meat supply chain. Johnson said the...
How long will this time of low crop profit margins continue?
USDA is projecting that 2024 will be the second straight year of falling crop prices and slim profits. How long should farmers expect this trend to continue? USDA Chief economist Seth Meyer says that to break out of this negative pattern, the United States ag markets...
John Deere announces more Iowa layoffs
John Deere has another round of layoffs scheduled at its plant in Iowa. The facility in Waterloo Works, Iowa, is the company’s largest plant. The state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, website says the company will lay off more than 100...
House hearing focuses on improper labeling of dairy products
The Food and Drug Administration performs the critical task of providing consumers with clear nutritional information by enforcing labeling standards, but there is still work to be done on the misuse of terms on labels. Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin said she’s...
Settling into a long-term period of low commodity prices
It’s no surprise to you that market prices for grains are low. They’re nowhere near what we enjoyed a few years ago. Many factors are driving this situation, but understanding them doesn’t necessarily make it any easier. The main question I Have been hearing farmers...
Beef-dairy cows providing added-value for producers
A growing trend in animal agriculture is the breeding of dairy cows with beef bulls to take advantage of desirable traits and provide added value for producers. The process, also known as beef-on-dairy, can improve the value of the calf says Olivia Genther-Shroder of...
December starting off with arctic winds
As we get into the colder and drier part of the year, we don’t really see much change to the Iowa drought monitor. However, state climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said that this year’s drought map looks significantly better than last year. Glisan said a large-scale...
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More Ag News
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...
2025 Planting Intentions Insights from Farmers Business Network
Ahead of Monday’s USDA report release, download FBN’s exclusive 2025 Planting Intentions Report now so you can start strategizing ASAP. This free report outlines the survey-based acreage mix for key crops across the United States for the 2025 season. Use this data to:...
New Century FS in Tama ready for the 2025 season
Last week, we talked with the folks at AGRILAND FS about their upgraded chemical facilities. In today's Featured Conversation, Andy talks about the Tama, IA facility of New Century FS. They discuss the operation there, and how they are going to be ready to serve your...
