Top Stories
Food hubs: the connecting piece for local farmers and producers
When people think of agriculture, they tend to focus only on what happens on the farm, namely planting, harvesting, or raising livestock. However, farmers still need to find a way of reaching consumers, which is where food hubs come in. Market access can be challenging, especially for local producers without a dedicated supply chain system. Food hubs aim to bridge that gap by enabling producers to reach a broader clientele. Phil Jahnke Sauer, a value chain manager with Iowa Value Resource...
Cattle on feed report shows lower placements
The first USDA Cattle on Feed report for the year shows lower placement of cattle on feedlots compared to the same period last year. That is USDA livestock economist Mike McConnell. 11.8 million head of cattle were on feedlots as of January 1st which is a 1% decline...
Ethanol production rises in mid-January
Ethanol output rose during the seven days ending on January 17 as inventories climbed to their highest level in nine months. Data from the Energy Information Administration says production increased to an average of 1.099 million barrels a day, up from 1.095 million...
LG Seeds preparing Iowa farmers for 2025
The past few years in agriculture have been nothing short of tumultuous, with Iowa standing at the forefront of weather extremes. From historic floods to unprecedented droughts, farmers have faced shifting conditions that have tested their resilience and adaptability....
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-24-25)
While both the corn and soybean numbers were within the range of estimates in this week’s export sales report, they were still higher than the 5-year average. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. McBride said...
Registration open for AFBF FUSION Conference
The best and the brightest Farm Bureau members from across the country will soon take part in the FUSION Conference March 7-10. Amy Jo Estes, a member of the AFBF Promotion & Education committee, said the conference will bring together AFBF’s three hallmark...
Rollins wins support of Senate Ag Committee
Brooke Rollins, nominated by President Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee for her confirmation hearing. During the session, Rollins faced questions regarding her qualifications and vision for the...
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More Ag News
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
Fiscal year ag trade at the midway point
We have reached the halfway point of the ag trade year, and it is a good time to analyze the numbers for imports and exports thus far. USDA economist James Kaufman says exports are down from last year while imports continue to increase. Kaufman expands on the ag trade...
USDA’s Rollins says Proposition 12 ‘Just not sustainable’
At a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on California Proposition 12 and similar laws that affect livestock production. In response to a question from Committee...
Modern Ag Alliance pushes late for labeling legislation
Even though the Iowa Legislature was scheduled to adjourn last week, work at the Capitol is far from over. Lawmakers remain locked in negotiations over unresolved budget issues, keeping the session alive past its intended deadline. Amid the ongoing debates, the Modern...
