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2025 saw almost record volume and value for pork exports
2025 proved to be another strong year for U.S. pork exports, with a volume of 2.9 million metric tons. This is three percent shy of the 2024 record, but it was still the third highest on record. Value was three percent down from 2024’s record but the second highest overall at $8.4 billion. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, said the industry continues to see sustained demand for U.S. pork in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Meat Export...
The most valuable commodity? Getting home safe
Next week is Farm Safety Week, and it’s a good reminder for all of us in agriculture to think carefully about how we approach safety during harvest. But the truth is, one week of reminders won’t cut it. Safety has to stick with us through the whole season, because the...
Warm temperatures will bring harvest here before we know it
The end of this crop year has been defined by disease pressure, specifically from diseases like Southern Rust and Sudden Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, farmers who did not prepare with fungicides are already seeing significant yield losses. Southwest Iowa Beck’s...
Iowa rural roadway safety considerations during harvest season
Rural roadway safety is one of the biggest safety challenges during harvest season. Dan Neenan of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety says that rural drivers need to demonstrate patience as farmers share the roadways. Neenan says that motorists and...
Fertilizer decisions for 2026 crop will be a balancing act
Fertilizer prices aren’t at historic highs, but relative to last year’s prices and the current prices for crop commodities, they are elevated. According to data from USDA and analysis by University of Illinois Farmdoc, fertilizer prices in the state are 6% to 20%...
USMEF Heartland team reviews market investments in Korea
A team of producers representing the pork, beef, corn and soybean industries visited Korea last week to see first-hand the investments the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is making in the market. Korea is the leading export market for U.S. beef, with purchases...
Rollins: Mexico cooperation key to screwworm defense
The New World screwworm has not entered U.S. herds, but the threat has officials on guard. The parasite can devastate livestock, particularly cattle, and poses risks to any mammal. A recent case in a U.S. traveler returning from El Salvador underscored that danger....
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-21-25)
The weather looks to be drying out for a good portion of South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. The weather has been cooperative for both corn and soybean planting progress to move along...
Iowa is a great home for USDA research projects
As the USDA looks into decentralizing from Washington, D.C., Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says some research projects should be moved to Ames, Iowa. With our state being a natural hub for agriculture, this change would be a great fit for what the USDA is looking...
The value of early planting soybeans
In recent growing seasons farmers have been planting soybeans earlier and experiencing for the most part higher yield potential. Researchers at the University of Illinois have been studying this management trend to test the value of early planting soybeans. Connor...
Optimism for the ethanol industry
The U.S. Grains and Global Bioproducts Council is holding its annual Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C.. At the summit, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor expressed optimism for the future of bioethanol, while highlighting the positive impact that pro-bioethanol...
Dairy processors warn of mounting trade strain
The global trade landscape is once again weighing heavily on American agriculture. Tariffs, retaliatory fees, and stalled negotiations with key trading partners have created fresh uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses alike. Export-dependent sectors are feeling...
