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New World Screwworm influence in the ag markets
The initial reaction in the ag marketplace to the first detection of New World Screwworm in a calf in south Texas in early June was a bit surprising to many market analysts. Generally, a negative headline can send the markets to the downside in a dramatic way, at least until the situation stabilizes and further information is digested. While the detection of NWS in the United States did send the cattle markets lower initially, there was almost an immediate bounce back for the prices and not a...
CARB, the RFS, and used cooking oil
U.S. farmers remain hopeful that the push for renewable diesel will open a large market for the vegetable oil pressed from soybeans. However, used cooking oil, particularly from China, is also used as a feedstock in biofuels and has been depressing the need for...
Fall harvest double digits ahead of last year’s pace
Reports show the U.S. corn and soybean harvests are double digits ahead of their five-year averages. Farm Policy News credits the fast pace to dry weather stretched across most of the U.S. through the past week. Corn harvest jumped 18 points nationally to 65 percent...
South American planting is behind schedule
You don’t have to tell farmers how much Mother Nature can change our plans. In Iowa alone, we went from a multi-year drought to a period when we were caught back up in a matter of weeks. And then suddenly, we were back in a drought again. While it probably isn't...
NCBA is making lower taxes a top priority
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is expiring at the end of next year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is making a major push on tax policy. In the latest episode of the Beltway Beef Podcast, NCBA President Mark Eisele said the fight for lower taxes is very...
Keep pigs and people safe during show season
Biosecurity is an important key to success in the pork industry, especially during show season when pigs from different states mingle. John Heins, manager of producer relations for the National Pork Board, said show pig producers need to have several important factors...
Grassley dismisses farm bill as rider on disaster aid measure
As Congress works on disaster aid for the hurricane-ravaged Southeast, some are proposing attaching a farm bill to the relief package. Longtime Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says he won’t go for it. For months Iowa’s Chuck Grassley has stated that he expects another...
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Feenstra urging new EPA administrator to support biofuels
As the new administration continues to settle in, it’s important to make sure they are going to make supporting the ag industry a priority. Renewable fuels in particular need to receive the proper support in order to help the U.S. become more energy independent. Iowa...
Zoetis celebrating National FFA Week
This week is National FFA Week, a time to celebrate the immense impact the National FFA Organization has in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Zoetis supports FFA through its Industry Support Program. Clint Mefford, director of U.S. Livestock...
RFA says ethanol can save farm economy again
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper told the 30th annual National Ethanol Conference that ethanol has boosted the farm economy in the past and can do so once again. At the same conference two decades ago, Cooper said that the Renewable Fuel...
No ban coming after new case of Mexican screwworm
Another case of New World screwworm was found in a Mexican cow south of the border. Despite that, USDA says it won’t limit cattle imports from Mexico. Reuters says U.S. cattle supplies in recent months grew tight after Washington blocked Mexican livestock shipments...
Looking for options against herbicide resistance
Herbicide-resistant weeds are becoming more common, catching the attention of farmers and weed specialists across the agricultural industry. While this presents a challenge, experts are exploring new strategies to stay ahead, knowing that developing effective...
