Top Stories
U.S. and Taiwan sign reciprocal trade agreement
Last week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced the signing of a reciprocal trade agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the agreement includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat exports, including beef, where Taiwan is already the fifth largest market. U.S. pork has been at a trade disadvantage with competitors in Taiwan with both tariff and non-tariff barriers. There are also consumer trust issues...
USDA finalizes stage two of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
Eligible farmers and ranchers are now invited to apply for specific disaster relief. The American Relief Act, passed in late 2024, authorized the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and applications for farmers and ranchers are now open. Danny Munch, an economist...
Soybean marketplace remains quiet despite positive export news
Despite good news for the soybean complex in terms of export demand this week, the markets have not responded with bullish price movement. China has secured at least seven million tons of U.S. soybeans after multiple purchases during the past two weeks. That puts...
Ethanol production hits another record high
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol output jumped to a new record high in the seven days ending on December 12. U.S. production rose to an average of 1.131 million barrels a day, which the agency said is up from 1.105 million the previous week and...
ASA’s Ragland says farmers facing a thousand cuts
Soybean farmers have been battling more than slow demand and market uncertainty this year. The cost of doing business has climbed steadily, pushed higher by tariffs, input inflation, and the ripple effects of a prolonged trade war. American Soybean Association...
Looking back on ag industry challenges and successes in 2025
The past year included many challenges for U.S. agriculture and the organizations that work to influence positive policy for farmers and ranchers. Joby Young, the executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said despite the challenges, there were...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-18-25)
The most recent export sales report contained data for the week of November 27th. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were some of the best we’ve ever seen for that week. McBride said the soybean numbers were about average, but they might trend...
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More Ag News
Rethinking feed additives as cattle management tool
Feed additives have long been part of livestock production, but the way they are being evaluated is changing. As margins tighten and performance pressures increase, producers are taking a closer look at how additives fit into overall herd management, particularly...
Using soil tests to adjust nutrient applications in 2026
When it comes to having a successful crop season, soil nutrition is key. But it’s not just about having the proper nutrients in the soil- farmers need to focus on making sure those nutrients are available to the crops at the right time. Derek Emerine, national...
Farmers and ranchers encourage to share thoughts on WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. The public comment deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs...
Disease pressures and the livestock sector in 2025
Disease pressures in the livestock sector featured prominently in 2025 across the spectrum from poultry to cattle. Two of the biggest stories about animal diseases in the past year were highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm. Former USDA Chief...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by...
