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Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric Relph of Commstock Investments says that the industry might be reaching the upper limits of heavier cattle. Relph says he has been surprised by the total weight that cattle are being fed to year over year. He adds that trying to...
USMEF looking to further develop strong demand for U.S. protein
Even though we are waiting for the final export numbers for 2025 to be tallied, we already know that demand for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb remained strong last year despite several strong headwinds, including tariffs, a strong dollar, and tight beef supplies. U.S. Meat...
USDA sets new research priorities for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water...
Could a coast to coast railroad help or hurt agriculture?
A major shakeup could be coming to the U.S. railroad network, and agriculture is keeping a close eye on it. Union Pacific is working on a deal to acquire Norfolk Southern. If it goes through, it will create the first true coast-to-coast rail system in the country. The...
Highlighting major economic factors to observe in 2026
The U.S. macroeconomy is influencing agriculture input costs, commodity price trends, and supply and demand fundamentals. Matt Erickson, senior analyst at Terrain, said inflation, tariffs, and interest rates will be major factors to keep an eye on in 2026. Erickson...
What to expect in the January WASDE report
The January USDA WASDE report will be released on Monday January 12th and while we don’t know what changes will be made, if there are changes, they could move the ag marketplace. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net says that if we get a January WASDE report similar to 2025...
Beef prices expected to keep rising in 2026
Beef prices are expected to continue climbing in the coming year as tight cattle supplies in the United States and abroad strain the global market, analysts said. U.S. cattle inventories remain near multi-decade lows following years of drought that forced ranchers to...
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More Ag News
Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2026 legislative priorities
During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural...
Agribusiness Association eyes key Iowa legislation
As the Iowa Legislature begins work on the 2026 session, agriculture and agribusiness are once again front and center in policy discussions at the Statehouse. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa states that several proposals this year could directly impact investment...
Brazilian soybean harvest underway
With a main global competitor of U.S. soybeans now beginning harvest for this year's crop, what is the outlook for Brazil’s production this season? USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides the latest update on the Brazilian growing season....
Feenstra says a new farm bill is still possible
The year is 2026, and we are still using the 2018 Farm Bill. After eight years, much of the legislation needs to be updated in order to match the constantly evolving ag industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said the process will start again next month in the House...
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...
