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...
Red Sea shipping issues among conversation at Gulfood
More than 150,000 attendees from 190 countries were in Dubai, UAE, last week for Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage show. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom provided insight on what he describes as the busiest Gulfood...
Grassley joins colleagues in asking for swift E15 waiver for 2024
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has joined an Iowa delegation of lawmakers in a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to allow for summertime E15 sales in 2024. Last week, the EPA finalized a rule to approve year-round E15 sales, but delayed...
AFBF encouraging farmers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage
The Department of Agriculture this week opens the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program enrollment period for 2024. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch said the program helps dairy producers manage risks. Munch said the enrollment period starts today,...
Nominate conservation leaders for the Iowa farm environmental leader award
Governor Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families for the 2024 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. Iowa farmers and landowners who implement proven...
Secretary Naig returns from trade trip to Mexico
Last week Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig embarked on a trade trip to Mexico. Our southern neighbor is one of our most important trading partners in the world. We must keep the dialogue open through the agreements and the disputes that we have with each other. We must...
AAI honoring Bill Northey’s legacy with “The Northey Building”
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) Foundation recently announced that its building will be named “The Northey Building” in order to honor the late Bill Northey. Mark White, board chair of the AAI Foundation, said it was an easy decision to honor Northey’s...
Video
More Ag News
Making the best use of data from soil tests
Gathering data from soil tests is one of the best ways to address the needs of your crops. However, some of that data can be very complicated, so it needs to be run through the best methods and technology available in order to become actionable goals. Matt Fryer,...
Helping young people entering the beef industry
The 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting was held in San Diego, California. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, observed several new attendees this year. NCBA can take steps to assist younger individuals in entering the industry....
Lawmakers won’t compromise despite outcry for new farm bill
The huge outcry for a new farm bill from hundreds of Ag stakeholder groups last month seems to have prompted little movement from either side in Congress. That’s not a surprise to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Over 500 Ag-related groups led by the...
Secretary Naig welcomes pesticide petition by Attorneys General Bird, Hilgers
Following the announcement today in Omaha by Attorneys General Brenna Bird of Iowa and Mike Hilgers of Nebraska that the states will jointly file a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the regulation of pesticides, Iowa Secretary of...
Ag Bio act will keep U.S. Biobased production at home
The Plant-Based Products Council and its supporters in Congress are hopeful that legislation aimed at expanding the agricultural bioeconomy will significantly impact the upcoming Farm Bill. The proposed Ag BIO Act seeks to increase the manufacturing of plant-based...
