Top Stories
DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are examining whether consolidation among the nation’s largest meatpackers contributed to inflated beef prices for consumers and reduced prices paid to cattle producers. The four largest beef processors control roughly 85% of the fed...
Vilsack talks summer E15 and Prop 12 during Senate hearing
Secretary Tom Vilsack told Senate Ag members last week during a Senate hearing that he’s confident the EPA will approve an E15 waiver this summer ahead of the agency’s permanent green light for year-round sales starting next year. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst told Vilsack...
Finding new uses and sustainable demand for U.S. corn
At last week’s Commodity Classic farm show in Houston Texas the stage was set for the announcement of the "The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers." The challenge comes from Radicle Growth, a company that invests in early stage ag and food...
U.S. corn and soy vital for success of red meat exports
Last week, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk and other USMEF leaders were on hand at Commodity Classic in Houston to thank corn and soybean producers for their support. Spronk said it was very important for the red meat industry to show its...
Iowa Corn Growers highlight the benefits of your checkoff dollars
In a time when we are all having to tighten our belts again, it is not out of the question to take stock of monies being spent and make sure that you are getting the most out of each dollar. After all, any dollar not being spent wisely should be reallocated. This is...
Number of U.S. farms falls below two million
The USDA says the number of U.S. farms has fallen under two million for the first time since before the Civil War. The numbers come from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. In 2022, there were 1,900,487 farms in the country, a seven percent decline from the level in the...
Farm Bill differences continue to hinder legislation progress
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack quoted USDA’s founder, President Abraham Lincoln at a USDA oversight hearing with Senate Ag Leaders this week. With the President Lincoln quote he made the unspoken point, that stubborn partisan differences...
Video
More Ag News
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to host ISF ceremonies
As part of the 2024 Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will host three award ceremonies this week celebrating and commemorating Iowa agriculture. Each of the three ceremonies are open to the media and the public is invited to...
2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show a success
Once again, the 2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, went beyond the wildest dreams of those involved and raised an unofficial total of around $568,000.00 for this year’s auction following the show. Everyone...
GCSS contestants give back to the Ronald McDonald House
Every year, exhibitors for the Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair help to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Exhibitors today went to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa in Des Moines to help with some cleanup and...
Senator Grassley visits the Iowa State Fair, talks ag issues
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made his annual visit to the Iowa State Fair on Friday and stopped by to discuss the latest Iowa ag issues. Grassley tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that he has made at least one visit to the Iowa State Fair each...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-9-24)
Export sales were good again this week, but it’s still too little, too late for old crop numbers. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. On the new crop side of things, McBride said they would like to see higher...
