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US hog inventory edges lower; productivity ticks up
The U.S. hog and pig inventory totaled 73.7 million head as of June 1, down slightly from a year earlier and from March, USDA said Thursday in its quarterly report. Market hogs accounted for 67.8 million head, while 5.88 million were kept for breeding, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite the smaller herd, production indicators improved. Producers weaned 33.5 million pigs from March through May, slightly above last year, with an average of 11.87 pigs per...
Soybean markets turning more attention to planting in South America
As harvest wraps up in the United States, oilseed markets are turning more attention to planting progress in South America. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says the markets have a new focus. He says oil seed analysts and traders are paying close attention...
Treasury expands foreign land purchase oversight
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United...
Is Ag in a recession? It depends on who you ask
We talked earlier in the week about the October Rural Mainstreet Index numbers being less than stellar. But what does that mean for the Ag industry? It all depends on who you ask. Most economists agree that things are slower and more sideways than in recent years, and...
End of harvest season defined by plentiful rain
Rainy weather has defined the end of harvest season across the state. Northeast Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld said he’s been getting very consistent rains in his area. Koenigsfeld said beans are fully harvested in his neck of the woods, while corn is nearly...
2024 National FFA Secretary is fueled by his competitive spirit
Thirty-seven candidates vied for the honor of being elected to the 2024-2025 National FFA Leadership Team during the recent National FFA Convention. Luke Jennings of Ohio was elected as the National Secretary, and he said his passion for agriculture started at a very...
Previewing the November WASDE report
The USDA will publish the November WASDE report at 11:00am central time on Friday. The report will provide updated yield estimates and any changes to supply and demand forecasts both domestically and internationally. Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net, says...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (3-6-25)
Despite the tariff news weighing in on the ag marketplace, the export sales this week came withing expectations, which is better than what we have been seeing recently. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn. While the soybean...
Ag economy has been trending below growth neutral
A monthly survey of bank CEOs in 10 Midwestern states shows a dismal outlook. The report shows the February score fell to 38 on a zero to 100 scale, where 50 is growth neutral. This is the seventeenth time the score has been below growth neutral in the past eighteen...
Cattlemen waiting to see the impact of tariffs on bottom lines
As the tariff back-and-forth continues between the United States and some of its most important ag trade partners various ag groups are intently watching for the effects on producers’ bottom lines. Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,...
Nominate a conservation leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award
Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their community for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The award...
Skor optimistic about future of E15 and biofuels
The future of biofuels, particularly E15, remains a crucial element in Expanding E15 availability could boost the agricultural sector and reduce reliance on foreign oil. However, overcoming regulatory barriers and updating fueling infrastructure will be essential for...
