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Pork industry is optimistic despite trade limitations from pseudorabies
Strong export sales, particularly in Latin America, are contributing about $67 in value per every hog slaughtered and accounting for more than 30% of all U.S. pork production. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said there was optimism among producers and industry leaders at World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week. Pork Expo also gave an opportunity to highlight current export restrictions placed on some offal products following the finding of...
AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Chair stresses need for farm bill
An American Farm Bureau Federation young farmer testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee’s subcommittee on commodities, risk management and trade. Kevin Lussier, Chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, says he spoke...
Midwest Dairy seeking candidates for the 71st Iowa Dairy Princess
During this Dairy Month, Midwest Dairy’s Iowa Division is looking for candidates to serve as the 71st annual Iowa Dairy Princess. Heidi Lantzky, Iowa Dairy Princess Program Coordinator, said the Iowa Dairy Princess serves as the official goodwill ambassador for the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-4-24)
Much of South America is dry again this week. This is good news for farmers who are looking to wrap up harvest and receive some flood relief. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns. First crop corn harvest is pretty well...
New USDA digital cattle market data tool available soon
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA is preparing to launch a new market data tool for cattle producers called the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) Live Cattle Data Dashboard. The new digital tool for cattle producers will give users the ability to access...
USDA proposes next steps to fairer markets and transparency
The USDA announced the next steps it’s proposing to address the many complex competition issues in agricultural markets and create a fairer playing field for poultry growers and farmers. USDA is proposing the rule “Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital...
NASDA addressing some of Ag’s top concerns
We know that there are a lot of things that are being juggled around in the ag industry. There are a lot of policies that are being made or stalling in Washington, that farmers need to have certainty about. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (10-29-24)
It was looking like the weather was going to start to dry out in South America, but there’s still plenty of rain as of right now. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the shift to the monsoon season in South America has gone almost exactly the way they wanted...
New National FFA President brings a passion for policy
The National FFA Organization elected its new leadership team for the next year during the recent national convention. Delegates elected Thaddeus Bergscheider of Franklin, Illinois, as the new President. Bergscheider (pictured left in the above photo) said he has deep...
NCBA responds to preliminary dietary guidelines recommendations
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is pushing back against the U.S. panel that makes recommendations to USDA and HHS on dietary guidelines. NCBA says that Americans should not be encouraged to eat less beef and instead turn to vegetables for a protein source....
U.S. cattle on feed down slightly
Despite the cattle inventory plummeting to the lowest level in 73 years, the number of cattle on feed remains surprisingly strong. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million on...
Secretary Naig talking with international visitors at Borlaug Dialogue event
With the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues happening this week in Des Moines, we are seeing many international representatives in town—people who have a large say in trade relations with Iowa in particular and the U.S. in general. It is a great time for us to promote...
