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February red meat exports contain bright spots for pork and beef
February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said February was a robust month for per-head export value, with pork exports equating to more than $67 per head slaughtered and beef exports reaching nearly $423 per head of fed slaughter. Halstrom said that while beef exports trended lower, due in large part to continued lack of access to China,...
Northeast Iowa water quality project advances toward next phase
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that a successful Water Quality Initiative (WQI) demonstration project in northeast Iowa is expanding into a new phase, with a specific focus on edge-of-field conservation practices.Previous WQI projects in the...
ASF prevention must be maintained
At the World Pork Expo, we are talking to many people about the pork industry. While Prop 12 and the market climate are very much top of mind, many organizations are reminding producers that we cannot take our foot off the gas in foreign animal disease prevention. The...
Beagle brigade the front line of defense against foreign animal disease
The front line of defense against foreign animal disease in the United States is provided by another four-legged friend that isn?t always thought of for security purposes. The Beagle Brigade greets visitors at United States airports and other points of entry to help...
Prop 12 highlights discussions at 35th annual World Pork Expo
At the 35th annual World Pork Expo, many familiar topics are at the forefront of discussion- Prop 12, WOTUS, and input costs, just to name a few. But there?s no better time or place to have these discussions than at the World Pork Expo, where pork industry leaders...
Southeast Asian USMEF representative sees opportunities ahead
The Asia-Pacific region is an important market for American red meat exports. Jihae Yang is the new vice president of Asia-Pacific for the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Yang brings a lot of USMEF experience to the new role.?I joined USMEF in 1998, and my first role was...
Barchart releases 2023 crop production and yield estimates
Barchart Tuesday released their initial 2023 crop production and yield forecasts for U.S. corn and soybeans. The report indicates a cutback to USDA?s projected figures from the May 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report. The Barchart forecast calls for 15...
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Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
State pesticide labeling reform a debate for next farm bill
As lawmakers once again prepare to begin work on a new farm bill in 2024, farm bill priorities are being voiced by all parties. One area of the ag sector which could be a candidate for reform in the new farm bill could be the pesticide labeling process. The EPA is...
December rural mainstreet index sank
Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral for a fourth-straight month in December. Based on a survey of bank CEOs in a ten-state region, the index rose to 41.7 from November’s 40.4. That’s still lower than October’s 44.4. The index ranges...
Just when you think the government couldn’t get more absurd
When you're facing crippling federal debt with a government that has no problem spending your money, your kids’ money, and the money of the next three generations, it is no surprise that they are finding new and inventive ways to keep sticking their hands further into...
Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand
Farmers are always looking to be sustainable, which itself is usually a way to increase profitability. But now there are other ways, like carbon market programs, that can provide extra revenue to those sustainable practices. Travis Kraft, national sales director of...
