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Details from the USDA March Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the March Cattle on Feed Report on Friday March 20th and with the cattle industry in a pattern of low supply and continued high demand, the report can offer clues on the industry’s direction. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides the numbers of cattle in feedlots on March 1st. He notes that last year at this time is roughly when the effects of closing the Mexico border for feeder cattle imports due to New World Screwworm started to impact the numbers. McConnell says...
Study shows ag exports faltering
The U.S. has traditionally had a healthy agricultural trade surplus for years. As global dynamics change due to multiple political and economic factors, U.S. agricultural imports now exceed exports. A new study says the deficit is likely to get worse in the years...
Efficiency without reward in today’s dairy markets
Trying to make sense of today’s dairy markets might feel like trying to churn butter with a whisk. You can put in the effort, but the results may not make much sense. After a short stretch of stronger prices that gave producers a little breathing room, milk values...
Motorcade for Trade highlights challenges farmers are facing
The Motorcade for Trade is traveling across the country to highlight the issues that farmers are facing in the current ag economy due to tariff challenges and shifting export markets. Ally McKone, Farmers for Free Trade representative with the Motorcade for Trade,...
Plenty to see and do at 2026 AFBF Convention
There are many things to see and do at next year’s American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. Farmers and ranchers should make plans now to attend the event, which will take place January 9-14, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Niki Jones,...
Iowa growers urged to follow their fall soil health checklist
As Iowa nears the stretch run of harvest, attention will soon turn to soil health. With each growing season comes unique challenges and with the cost of fertilizer at elevated levels, this season’s soil health discussion is under the microscope. Mark Christianson is a...
NFU urges White House and Congress to quickly deliver relief for family farmers
National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent letters to President Trump and Congressional leaders urging immediate action to provide economic relief for family farmers and ranchers facing worsening financial conditions. NFU emphasized that aid should reach family farm...
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More Ag News
Naig: USDA is back and Iowans stayed committed
The federal government is back open following the longest shutdown in United States history. Congress reached an agreement late last week, the President signed it, and agencies have been working their way back to normal ever since. USDA entered the restart period in a...
Grain markets react negatively to November WASDE
Friday brought us the first WASDE report in two months, and the markets had lofty expectations. However, the figures from this report were disappointing and caused a negative reaction in the grain prices to end the week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said...
Increased biofuel demand could boost farm economy
At a time when the farm economy is facing a downward turn, farmers and ranchers are looking for expanded market opportunities. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said increased biofuel production could be one avenue to increase farm...
The push for a skinny farm bill before the end of the year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Friday if a skinny farm bill can be passed before the end of the year. Grassley says that Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is working towards that goal. Grassley expands on the landscape of the Senate and potential...
From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
