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Trade announcements with China are a positive step forward
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met recently to discuss trade and other topics. This may be a sign that trade tensions are slowly thawing between the United States and China. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said China remains a top trading priority, even after disruptions last year. During recent talks, China and the U.S. agreed to some additional agricultural purchases on top of commitments made last year. Parum said trade...
Thompson proceeding with House farm bill markup
The markup for House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson’s farm bill will move ahead on Thursday despite scores from the Congressional Budget Office that raise questions. The CBO says the scores provided don’t amount to offsets that would allow the bill to be...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-23-24)
The USDA released another low-key export sales report this week, with both corn and soybeans coming within the estimates once again. However, this is looking great for corn, as that market has now seen five consecutive weeks of decent or better export sales. Allendale...
USDA funding expanded opportunities for overseas markets
The USDA is allocating $300 million to 66 organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency launched RAPP in October 2023 to expand marketing opportunities overseas for American agricultural...
E15 ready for the summer driving season
This weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer. Many schools are out, pools are opening, grills are heating up, and vacations are being planned. That is why with all the busy activities you have planned; it is important to save money wherever you can. That is where...
Previously dry soils are now too wet in some areas
While we have received a lot of rain recently, it still has not been enough to rid the state of drought yet. In fact, large portions of the state are still in drought conditions. Mark Licht, Iowa State University professor of agronomy and ISU Extension and Outreach...
Increased tariffs on Chinese imports could cause retaliation
The Biden administration is continuing current tariffs and adding new ones. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that the increases are primarily tech focused. Salmonsen says there are a couple of reasons...
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Pork fits in with Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month honors Hispanic people who’ve contributed much to American culture. Jose de Jesus, assistant vice president for consumer marketing at the National Pork Board, talks about Hispanic Heritage Month. Ponle (Pawn – leigh) Pork, translated to “Add...
CLAAS introducing more hay tools to North America lineup
Originally introduced this past spring to European farmers, a popular expanded lineup of CLAAS tedders and mowers will make its way over to North America for the first time in 2025. Producers will be able to check out an expanded DISCO mower line and three new, wider...
FBN expansion of Gradable gives more access to sustainability programs
This fall Farmers Business Network and ADM announced that they have launched a joint venture, Gradable. The new company is an expansion of the Gradable technology platform that has been enabling FBN customers to enroll in programs that provide a premium for grain...
Mississippi River falls during record harvest season
Farm Policy News says that as the fall harvest of record corn and soybean crops is in full swing, Mississippi River conditions continue to get worse. It’s stalling barges trying to move up and down the channel, especially in the Lower Mississippi River. That means...
Possible expansion for dairy on the horizon?
It had been a rough few years for the dairy industry. The markets had not been good, and we had been seeing family farms closing up shop left and right. Those who were fighting to keep going said that they felt that good times had to be on the horizon once again....
