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Naig: USDA is back and Iowans stayed committed
The federal government is back open following the longest shutdown in United States history. Congress reached an agreement late last week, the President signed it, and agencies have been working their way back to normal ever since. USDA entered the restart period in a stronger position than most departments, because it received its full year of funding for nutrition and farm programs as part of the broader agreement. It was a major topic when I sat down for my monthly conversation with Iowa...
Outside of the grains, some markets are still seeing price movements
While the grain markets don’t have very much news to trade on due to the government shutdown and a lack of data, the other commodities- including cattle- are still able to see some positive price movement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there’s a lot of...
Farmers must have a voice in upcoming USMCA review
With the U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade deal facing a 2026 review, ag leaders say farmers must have a strong voice. Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith recently hosted USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to hear from producers....
New research shows benefits of expanded ethanol access
If Congress passed legislation that allowed for year-round, nationwide access to E15 fuel, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50 percent at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn. New analysis from the National Corn Growers Association says...
Strong potential for U.S. beef and pork in UK
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair-Elect Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Boise-based Agri Beef Co., recently traveled to the United Kingdom on a trade mission with Idaho Governor Brad Little. Theiler said the group met with...
From Ames to Iowa City, everyone cheers for Iowa dairy
Fall is well known for its tailgating fun at sporting events across the country, and nowhere is that tradition stronger than right here in Iowa. Whether you are grilling up cheeseburgers outside Jack Trice Stadium or reaching for the ranch and blue cheese to go with...
Markets are looking for news as government shutdown persists
There’s no clear end in sight yet for this government shutdown, and the markets are desperately looking for news headlines to trade. While there are a few things worth looking at, there’s not much solid news to trade on even outside of government reports. Allendale...
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More Ag News
Unleashing the ethanol industry with year-round E15
In a time when the farm economy is hurting, year-round E15 would provide a shot of energy into the ag industry. This would be a great boon for consumers who are looking for cheaper fuel prices as well. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said there are a couple of open...
Global USMEF teams compete at World Food Championships
Teams from the Caribbean, Mexico and Japan and supported by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) competed over the weekend in the World Food Championships in Indianapolis. Each team prepared three dishes for a tailgate-style barbecue contest featuring U.S. beef and...
Ag Secretary Rollins says shutdown holding up emergency farm aid
As the government shutdown continues farmers are yet to receive funds in emergency aid and the money will not be distributed until the shutdown ends and the government is fully operational. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told Fox News recently that emergency aid will...
NFU responds to government efforts to lower beef prices
Following President Trump’s comments about importing beef from Argentina to lower prices for American consumers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew reaffirmed the need to strengthen fairness and competition within the U.S. beef industry rather than rely...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
