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Beef exports were strong in July while pork was down
July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the value increase was driven primarily by another outstanding month for Taiwan, as well as strong results in other parts of the globe. Halstrom said that, although restrictions related to a finding of pseudorabies virus (PRV) were removed in mid-to-late July, pork exports –...
California breakthrough could boost Iowa ethanol demand
California is moving closer to allowing year-round E15 sales, potentially opening one of the nation’s largest gasoline markets to increased ethanol use. The California legislature approved a bill during the final day of its legislative session that removes the...
USDA Secretary Rollins announces Ranchers First Initiative
Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a plan of several actions that aims to aid in the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd and bring ranchers back at the center of the food supply. During her visit to...
Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by...
Central Iowa farmers gearing up for corn harvest
The Farm Progress Show conveniently takes place just before the harvest season begins each year. It won’t be long until the farmers that are visiting the show are back at home in the cab of their combine to begin harvesting. Wade Peck is a district sales manager with...
EPA grants most small refinery exemption requests
EPA has granted most of the small refinery exemption requests it considered for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year. The agency announced decisions Monday on 34 petitions from individual refineries seeking relief from their biofuel blending obligations....
EPA backs innovation that works for farmers
As farmers continue to face high input costs, new precision technology could provide opportunities to reduce expenses while also limiting environmental impacts. Doug Jones, agriculture advisor for EPA Region 7, says the agency is watching several new technologies that...
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Naig recognizes success of cover crop cost-share program
Farmers in the Greater Des Moines Watershed nearly tripled the number of cover crop acres in state-cost share programs this fall. During a press conference at this year’s Farm Progress Show, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig announced the initial results of the Greater Des...
USDA raises U.S. agricultural export forecast
U.S. agricultural exports are expected to strengthen as USDA raised its trade forecast and projected a smaller agricultural trade deficit for fiscal 2026. USDA's Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service forecast agricultural exports at $179.5...
New soybean platform aims to strengthen weed management programs
Enlist E3® soybeans with Expance™ trait technology combine the herbicide tolerance of Enlist E3 soybeans with preemergence HPPD inhibitor tolerance from Expance technology. Jared Benson of Syngenta tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network at the Farm Progress Show...
Making sure the entire renewable fuels industry is represented
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a new round of Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, exempting refiners from some renewable fuel blending obligations for 2025. While the action removes nearly 1.8 billion renewable fuel credits...
California breakthrough could boost Iowa ethanol demand
California is moving closer to allowing year-round E15 sales, potentially opening one of the nation’s largest gasoline markets to increased ethanol use. The California legislature approved a bill during the final day of its legislative session that removes the...
