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U.S. beef regaining market share in Colombia
U.S. beef exports to Colombia rebounded last year, climbing 23% in volume (4,232 metric tons) and 77% in value ($40.8 million) compared to 2024 – when the Colombian government-imposed restrictions on U.S. beef due to avian influenza detected in some U.S. dairy herds. Homero Recio, a Latin America representative for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), said the USMEF had to work to reclaim that market share. Recio said the Meat Merchandiser Program- a team of experts who educate key...
Secretary Naig announces 2026 renewable fuels marketing award recipients
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that Karde’s Convenience Store and Pilot Travel Centers are the recipients of the 2026 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. The annual awards recognize fuel retailers for outstanding leadership in expanding access...
AFBF sets 2026 policies at 107th convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation delegate session adopted a number of policy priorities for 2026. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the farmer and rancher delegates covered a wide range of issues. Delegates also requested the AFBF Board of Directors analyze issues...
Trade Win Strengthens Outlook for U.S. Dairy Exports
U.S. dairy organizations are welcoming a key trade victory after the Colombian government dismissed an investigation into U.S. milk powder imports, ending a process that industry leaders say was costly, time-consuming, and ultimately unfounded. The subsidies and...
The many benefits of prairie strips
It may sound counterintuitive, but setting aside just 10 percent of a field for wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and that field’s productivity in the long run. Prairie strips allow farmers to keep their soil in place, filter water runoff, and add some...
FarmMind is this year’s AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge winner
Innovation is at the heart of everything farmers and ranchers do, and this year’s Ag Innovation Challenge winner is the first to bring AI, or artificial intelligence, to the fields. FarmMind, winner of the 12th annual American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, was...
Update to FSA County Committee election schedule
USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee elections were delayed in the fall by the federal government shutdown. However, FSA Administrator Bill Beam says that the voting period will begin again soon. Candidates have already been nominated and are on the ballots that...
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More Ag News
U.S. soy exports continued growing in marketing year 2024-2025
The United States exported 68.7 million metric tons of U.S. soy, which included whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil, during the marketing year 2024-2025. That represents a 12.8 percent increase year-over-year and a 2.95 percent gain over the five-year...
Iowa farmers unlikely to see diesel relief from Venezuelan oil
Recent headlines surrounding Venezuela and its oil supply have raised questions across rural America, especially after the United States intervened in the country, removed a leader many viewed as a dictator, and announced it would temporarily control Venezuela’s oil...
Applications open for 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own farmland. Leopold Conservation Awards, presented by the Sand County Foundation and...
Ground pork gaining traction as a great option for daily meals
As the new year gets underway, there’s growing excitement around adding more protein to the plate. Momentum is building with the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” consumer brand campaign. José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing with the National Pork...
Employment data in rural America
USDA’s "Rural America at a Glance" report gives insight into employment trends in rural areas of the United States. USDA research economist Tracey Farrigan says from 2023-2024 employment in rural areas grew at a rate of about .6%. She says this was a continuation of a...
