Top Stories
Interior seeks flexibility on predator management
When I visited Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about several wildlife management issues affecting western ranchers. Among the topics discussed were wolves and grizzly bears, both of which continue to generate debate between livestock producers, wildlife advocates, and government regulators. Budd-Falen said wolf management remains particularly complex because different populations are...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-20-24)
The weather in South America still has not changed much, but it’s not much of an impact on the markets anyways since the commodities are focused elsewhere. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the markets could be shifting back to looking at the South...
Introducing new pork products in international markets
Introducing new products to overseas customers is a great way to draw attention to differentiate U.S. pork from pork of other origins. Courtney Knupp, vice president of international market development for the National Pork Board, said consumer preference research...
Wyffels growth in Iowa continues with new Ames site
Following 15 months of construction, Wyffels Hybrids officially opened their new Iowa warehouse and distribution center on July 10th, 2024. The new Iowa site is on roughly 150 acres located between Nevada and Ames near Interstate 35 and highway 30. In addition to...
U.S. beef herd rebuild could take years
The U.S. beef cow inventory has fallen to its lowest level in more than 60 years. With no significant changes on the horizon that would quickly reverse the trend, rebuilding the U.S. beef cow herd to historical norms is shaping up to be a years-long undertaking....
IA Beef Council helping present Stockman & Stewardship workshop
Part of what checkoff dollars are used for is the continuing education of producers in the cattle industry. The needs of the consumer always are evolving, as is the care that is given to the herds. That is why state organizations like the Iowa Beef Industry Council...
Creative dishes at 2024 Food Bank of Iowa casserole contest
On the last day of the Iowa State Fair, the Food Bank of Iowa held its fourth annual “Chopped” casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide. This year’s winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, who took top honors with her “BBQ Meatloaf, Mac, Cheese, and Corn Casserole”...
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Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 1)
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end on Wednesday. It feels like just yesterday that we were kicking off the new year. I know they say time flies, but this one felt like we blinked and missed it. However, as fast as this year seemed to go, it wasn’t...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-27-24)
We normally don’t expect much from the export sales report during the holidays, but today’s report was surprisingly good. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. There haven't been any flash sales recently, but...
Previously reinstated Beneficial Ownership Filing requirement on pause again
The roller coaster that is the battle over Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements is going for another loop. A previously reinstated filing requirement has once again been put on hold. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American...
Momentum building for E15 despite being left out of funding bill
National year round E15 sales were not included in the year end final stopgap government funding bill. However, the issue could still be building momentum heading into 2025. E15 sales, including in the summer driving season, were a part of the earliest stopgap bill...
Port labor dispute affecting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt American red meat exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in...
