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‘Product of USA’ meat labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1
A new USDA labeling rule takes effect Jan. 1, tightening standards for when meat, poultry and egg products may be identified as a product of the United States. Under the regulation, finalized in March 2024, companies may use labels such as “Product of USA” or “Made in USA” only if the animals were born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Meat from animals imported live for feeding or processing no longer qualifies. Products that are minimally processed may use qualified...
H-2A program still needs more fixes to be affordable
The calls for modernizing the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers continue to be heard across the spectrum of agriculture. The worker visa program has seen some recent adjustments to calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate which is seen as an improvement...
Iowa 4-H youth development receives $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care
Iowa 4-H Youth Development today announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The grant will support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties....
New herbicide technology aims to tackle Iowa’s weed challenges
As harvest wraps up across Iowa, many farmers are already turning their attention to 2026 and the tools they will need to stay ahead of stubborn weeds. Weed pressure itself was not overwhelming this year, but the challenge remains constant. Waterhemp and Palmer...
AFBF recognizes Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient
A retired Army veteran is the second winner of the American Farm Bureau Federation Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award, presented with the support of Farm Credit, goes to retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina, who had an...
Soybean meal promotes herd health for U.S. swine
With the FY2026 budget approved, the United Soybean Board (USB) is looking forward to continuing to drive soybean demand for U.S. soybean farmers. The majority of that demand comes from the livestock industry, where soybean products can be used to enhance feedstocks....
September soybean crush likely sets record
A new Reuters poll said soybean processors likely crushed a record number of soybeans in September as new facilities ramp up operations. That poll took place as market watchers continued relying on private estimates during the government shutdown. According to a note...
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More Ag News
Leveraging genetic diversity to combat annual crop issues
Farmers have to deal with unique combinations of diseases, weather events, and pests each crop season. Fortunately, there are things they can do to mitigate the risks of these annual problems. LG Seeds Agronomist Dave Hoy said genetic diversity is one of the main...
Record corn crop and supply and use forecasts
In the latest USDA forecast how is the record corn crop expected to be divided between supply and demand? World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski breaks down some of the details. The season ending average price for corn was $4.00 per bushel, that’s a...
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-20-25)
With the government slowly reopening, the weekly government reports- including the export sales- are covering the data that was missed during the shutdown. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it will take a while for the government to catch up. This report...
Secretary Naig congratulates winners of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s culinary competition
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today congratulated the winners of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s (IRA) Culinary Competition. The annual event highlights the creativity, skill and imagination of Iowa’s top chefs while celebrating the depth and diversity of...
Lenders want clear plans as farmers seek 2026 credit
Farmers are already looking ahead to the next growing season, and that means it is time to start preparing for an operating line of credit for 2026. Lenders want to see more than a basic snapshot of your plans. They want a clear picture of how you intend to manage the...
