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Farmers and ranchers are facing a growing pile of issues
While there is a rebound in ag exports for 2025 and 2026, growth remains below desired levels. New policy measures out of Washington, such as President Trump’s decision to allow tariff-free beef imports, are creating even higher levels of uncertainty for farmers and ranchers. Dr. Ernie Goss, regional economist at Creighton University, said there’s not much happy news for agriculture at the moment. Goss said the trade dispute with Canada, one of our top two trading partners, is also adding to...
USDA invests $500 million in processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $500 million to strengthen the nation's beef processing capacity through its Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers, or SPUR, program. The funding is aimed at small and midsize meat processors, which USDA defines as...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-16-26)
While there was no major reaction in the grain markets, this week’s export sales were good, especially for this time of year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were decent. McBride said the soybean sales were better than expected for this...
Northern heat wave shouldn’t last long enough to negatively affect crops
A stretch of the Northern U.S. is the path of a ridge of high pressure producing high temperatures hovering around 100 degrees through the week. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the northern portions of the great plains are still experiencing high temperatures that...
USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the...
Poll reveals record voter support for E15
A new national survey shows record-high voter support for expanding access to E15, the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend, and making it available year-round. The Renewable Fuels Association says 75 percent of registered voters support wider availability of E15, while more...
Farmers remain cautious about AI technology
Artificial intelligence is becoming a larger part of agriculture, but many farmers remain cautious about adopting the technology, according to the latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey asked producers about artificial intelligence...
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More Ag News
Naig: Heat, timely rain shaping Iowa crops
Iowa farmers have faced a little bit of everything this summer. Extended stretches of heat have increased stress on crops and livestock, while scattered thunderstorms have brought much-needed rainfall to some areas and flooding, hail, and damaging winds to others....
TQA builds trust through consistent training
Transportation Quality Assurance® (TQA®), the pork industry’s certification program, provides science-based training for animal handlers and professional transporters who are responsible for moving pigs from farms to other facilities. Stephanie Wetter, director of...
Farm production costs mixed last year, soaring in 2026
Farm production costs were mixed last year but are up significantly in 2026. USDA Chief Economist Justin Benevidez provides the specifics from 2025. Benevidez says the largest increase occurred in livestock and poultry production. However, the latest farm expenditure...
Greater consistency and quality for consumers and retailers
Familiar USDA grading systems, such as those for beef at your local store, are becoming more technologically advanced to ensure greater consistency and quality for consumers and retailers alike. Robert Eaton at the Agricultural Marketing Service explains how...
USDA: Phased reopening for livestock in southern U.S. ports
USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month after determining conditions have improved in the fight against New World screwworm. The Agriculture Department says the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry will reopen August 24 for...
