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USMEF bolstering Mexico’s in-home consumption of U.S. pork
Mexico’s demand for U.S. pork has soared in recent years, and 2025 was no exception. Pork exports to Mexico were record-large for the fifth consecutive year at 1.24 million metric tons, valued at $2.85 billion. But the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) continues to identify opportunities for further growth, and a good example is the relatively low percentage of pork dishes that are prepared at home, rather than in restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF regional...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (10-16-25)
As the government shutdown persists, we still don’t have any official export numbers to look at. We can, however, look again at the weekly estimates. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are still projected to be well above the average. On the...
Falling oil prices should indicate cheaper fuel
For the past several weeks and even several months, oil prices have held fairly steady, remaining in the mid-$60 per barrel range. But, thanks to OPEC’s increased production, that trend is no more. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said banks...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-18-25)
As global trade issues continue to develop, planting progress in South America is quietly rolling along. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. McBride said farmers have continued to make good...
American Farm Bureau applauds WOTUS rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers released a new rule Monday on the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) law. Courtney Briggs, Senior Director of Government Affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said this rule is a positive...
Farm gate receipts are down, farm lending is up
Third quarter financials continue to demonstrate the tough situation in farm country this year. Joe Mahon, Regional Outreach Director at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, says their third quarter survey of agricultural bankers in the Fed’s Ninth District show...
NCBA secures new WOTUS proposed rule that protects family farmers and ranchers
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the new proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The revised WOTUS rule comes after decades of advocacy by NCBA and our state...
Goettsch highlights key seed decisions for Iowa farmers in 2026
As Iowa farmers wrap up another harvest season, many are already shifting their attention to what they want from their seed choices in 2026. After a year that produced solid yields but also revealed pockets of disease pressure in several parts of the state, growers...
