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AFBF President offers solutions to Senate Ag Committee
As farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with a difficult farm economy, the Senate Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing to discuss solutions. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was one of the experts to present testimony before the committee, and he said the time is now to increase demand for homegrown food, fiber, and renewable fuel. Duvall said that there are several other policy levers that Congress can pull to help farmers and ranchers. Duvall said the...
Breaking down the USDA December Cattle on Feed Report
While the overall number of cattle in the United States remains at extremely low levels, the trend of lower cattle inventories in feedlots is continuing. That is reflected in the December USDA Cattle on Feed Report says USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell....
Six individuals appointed to NPB Board of Directors
The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes five appointees to serve a three-year term ending in June 2028, and one appointee to serve a two-year term ending in June 2027. Congratulations to the following producer leaders: • Chad Groves, Kansas • Jessica Stevens,...
Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability...
Looking back on 2025 and preparing for 2026 in the swine industry
It’s important for pig farmers to take a close look at the balance sheet because it helps set the fundamental outlook moving forward into the coming year. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says one of the key highlights has been production, which was projected...
USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to...
Buying soybeans from a trusted source, designed for local conditions
When choosing which soybeans to plant, growers want to make sure that they are buying seed from a trusted source that is just as committed to soybeans as growers are. Monty Malone, a soybean variety development lead with Xitavo says that the Xitavo soybean...
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More Ag News
Will the January WASDE report feature a yield reduction?
The January USDA WASDE report will be released on Monday January 12th and right now market analysts are leaning towards an expectation for a yield cut to corn and or soybeans. How much of a cut is still to be determined, if it happens at all, but last year’s January...
USDA is officially caught up on export sales
With the latest numbers released on Monday, the USDA is now officially caught up on export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the reports came out a little slower than expected due to the holidays, but we are now fully caught up, especially with this...
Secretary Rollins announces new slate of political appointments to USDA
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply...
North American Bee Strategy aims to improve honeybee health
Honeybee colonies in the U.S. experienced significant losses in 2024, with an estimated 55% of managed colonies reported as lost from April 2024 to April 2025. That is the highest loss rate since tracking began in 2010. In response, the Honey Bee Health Coalition...
Iowa Electric Co-ops stress storm safety
Winter weather in Iowa can turn quickly. Snow, wind, and bitter cold often arrive with little mercy, and when they do, travel and power reliability can both become concerns. That is why the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives is reminding rural residents to stay...
