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Public data provides insights on pork demand
The National Pork Board aims to improve demand globally, and that commitment includes economists’ analysis of publicly available data. Lee Schulz, chief economist with EA Risk (formerly Ever.Ag), talks about risk and macroeconomic sensitivity across domestic and international markets being critical to building demand. Schulz examines fourth quarter data, including world market and trade. Schulz said the market is not being burdened by pork supplies overall. National Pork Board helps build...
HPAI detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac...
Rollins visit brings $10 million for Iowa conservation
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins brought a significant investment to Iowa during her visit to Cedar Rapids earlier this week, announcing $10 million in federal funding to expand the state's Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike...
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
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Iowa FFA member receives national award
At this year’s National FFA Convention, an Iowa FFA member was recognized for going above and beyond in their agriscience research. Tessa Tauke, from the Beckman Catholic FFA Chapter in Dyersville, Iowa, was named as this year’s National FFA American Star Award Winner...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-29-26)
This week has been mostly quiet in the ag marketplace, and that was reinforced by this week’s export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were uneventful, which is not what they need right now. McBride said the soybean sales were strong...
Investments in rural America
USDA Rural Development investments during the past fiscal year demonstrate the diverse areas of support for rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith gives the data for the past fiscal year. Smith says that...
Fertilizer prices continue rising as farmers prepare for 2027 growing season
Fertilizer prices continued climbing in October, adding pressure to American farmers already struggling with tight profit margins and elevated production expenses. According to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey, seven of eight major fertilizers increased in price...
Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
