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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 trend of employment growth with recovery of jobs following the pandemic. Farrigan says the period from 2020-2023 saw a steep growth of employment but adds that the .6% growth from 2023-2024 was in line with expectations. Farrigan...
AFBF urges Congress to act on farm economy struggles
The farm economy continues to struggle in 2026, and farm groups are calling on Congress to act. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said many farmers are underwater financially. Glenn said farmers and ranchers are...
Healthy Milk for Kids Act may add $2 billion in dairy demand
The signing of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act by President Trump last week marks a significant change in federal school nutrition policy, restoring whole and two percent milk as options in school meal programs. Supporters say the move aligns federal guidelines with...
USMEF aiding response to Mexico’s anti-dumping probe
Mexico in December launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation on pork hams and shoulders. According to U.S Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror, USMEF is assisting exporters in providing information to Mexican...
Tariff ruling could have big implications for agriculture
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected any day regarding the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, and that decision could have immense implications. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist for StoneX Group, said the Trump Administration does...
Breaking down the numbers in USDA’s January meat outlook
USDA recently issued its first projections this year for meat production and prices. For the most part, increased production and price forecasts for the prior month are on display in the USDA January meat outlook. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark...
Brazil passes U.S. as top beef producer
Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reuters said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat...
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Featured Conversation: ICGA on the carbon sequestration pipeline discussion
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa continue to draw attention as state leaders, farm organizations, and landowners weigh their potential economic and long-term impacts. Supporters point to market access and competitiveness for Iowa ethanol, while critics...
Top factors influencing meat demand in 2026
Despite consumers facing high prices for meat at the grocery store in 2025, demand for meat remained high throughout the year. Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, says 2026 could see spending concerns for consumers making an...
Feenstra working to make farming less dangerous and risky
Farming can be a risky and dangerous business. Taxes can provide obstacles for farmers who are passing land down to the next generation, and the high price of machinery can lead some farmers to operate with equipment that can’t protect them from rollovers. Iowa...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sets 2026 legislative priorities
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, announces its state policy priorities heading into the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. These policy priorities focus on protecting private property...
AFBF urges Congress to act on farm economy struggles
The farm economy continues to struggle in 2026, and farm groups are calling on Congress to act. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said many farmers are underwater financially. Glenn said farmers and ranchers are...
