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Red meat exports mixed to start 2026
U.S. red meat exports were mixed in January, with pork exports trending higher year-over-year and beef trending lower according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were led by another outstanding performance from the leading market, Mexico. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that, in addition to Mexico, exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the ASEAN...
AFBF Thanksgiving Survey shows slightly lower costs in 2025
Every year, volunteer shoppers from the American Farm Bureau Federation help determine the average cost of feeding ten people for a Thanksgiving meal. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Cost Survey results show a slight dip in costs this year....
Iowa State Fair economic and community impact study results
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the state's largest event and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. A 2025 study conducted by Johnson Consulting found that the economic impact from the Iowa State Fair...
Naig Highlights Iowas Role in Americas 250th
Iowa is already looking ahead to 2026 and the celebration of America's 250th birthday. While most people are not thinking that far down the road, state leaders are, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has been asked to help guide how our state will take part...
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...
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Senators push USDA for faster bird flu vaccine plan
A bipartisan group of 23 senators called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite development of a comprehensive bird flu vaccination strategy amid rising infections in livestock flocks. Lawmakers warn that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or...
Building the calf microbiome begins in the first hours of life
Producers spend a lot of time thinking about cow health, breeding readiness, and nutrition plans, but Purina says the story of long-term productivity starts much earlier. The first hours and weeks of a calf’s life are filled with stress points, and how those animals...
Major takeaways from the 2025 crop season
This was a very eventful crop year for Iowa’s corn and soybean farmers. While the variety of issues felt lower than most years, the problems that did pop up threw many farmers for a loop. John Brien, agronomy division manager with AgriGold, said crop health proved to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-11-25)
The weekly export sales are continuing to catch up to where we are currently in the calendar year. This week’s sales covered data through the week of November 13th. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the data showed a good week for both corn and soybeans....
Ag Economy Barometer survey findings on farmer financial assistance intentions
The recent farmer bridge payment announcement from the White House and USDA is a welcome relief for farmers. Although the payments are not a permanent fix to any of the financial problems farmers face, they do help to provide assistance during the trade war with...
