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USDA reorganizes FSIS and establishes Food Safety Center in Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), aiming to modernize operations and better align the agency with today’s agricultural landscape. Central to the plan is the creation of a National Food Safety Center in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as a hub for administrative, technical, and support functions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the move will strengthen food safety nationwide. “This is about...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-31-23)
After a good amount of dry heat, rain is now highlighting the upcoming forecast in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current weather patterns. In the longer-term forecasts, McBride said there’s even more rain coming through...
Rain slows harvest progress
Slowing the pace of harvest, with some rains that fell this past week. The update comes from the USDA's Upper Midwest Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, where Doug Decock is the statistician. “Corn harvested for grain reached 77%...
Farm bill extension appears likely
A temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown this month appears more like the legislative vehicle to extend the already expired farm bill, but one Ag Senator says farmers shouldn’t look for any extra help. Iowa’s Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says an extension is...
State of the corn economy
In the third quarter of 2023, the corn sector wrapped up the 2022-2023 marketing year and entered the 2023-2024 marketing year. Geopolitical tensions and international dynamics continue to be factors in the market. Looking ahead, a National Corn Growers Association...
Another fall. Another battle with HPAI
We sincerely hoped we would finally be done with the battle against High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as the bird flu. However, as the long fall and the slow bird migration are showing, we are going to have to fight another season of this...
Former Iowa governor Terry Branstad to receive USMEF award
Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad has been selected to receive the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Michael J. Mansfield Award. USMEF established this award in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-30-24)
Drier conditions have finally made their way to South America, allowing farmers in Brazil and Argentina to catch up on harvest. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. McBride said harvest in Brazil is moving steadily...
New labor law piles even more regulations on farmers
A new rule from the Department of Labor is once again adding to the regulatory burden of farmers and ranchers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that while farmers obviously care about their employees,...
The science behind healthy plant ecosystems
Healthy soil is just as much a part of farming as the health of the plant. Soil health allows for the best ecosystem to assist plant growth throughout the crop season, giving that plant the best opportunity to grow to its maximum potential. Therefore, better soil...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
Chief Ag Negotiator McKalip speaks with NAFB members in Washington
We talk a lot about trade and the effects it has on the agricultural economy. We have heard concerns from Ag groups about the trade situation and their worries that the administration isn’t being as aggressive on trade as possible. During the NAFB Washington Watch...
