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Dairy processors warn of mounting trade strain
The global trade landscape is once again weighing heavily on American agriculture. Tariffs, retaliatory fees, and stalled negotiations with key trading partners have created fresh uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses alike. Export-dependent sectors are feeling the squeeze as market access becomes a bargaining chip in larger economic battles. Soybeans and pork are facing renewed headwinds as international buyers hesitate or shift sourcing. At the same time, dairy producers are being hit...
Strong interest in U.S. beef at Gulfood in Dubai
With support from USDA, the Beef Checkoff Program and the Texas Beef Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) promoted U.S. beef at Gulfood, one of the world?s largest food trade shows. The event was held Feb. 20-24 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. USMEF CEO...
A strong year for Iowa pork producers
Kevin Rasmussen is a farmer from Humboldt County Iowa who served as the Iowa Pork Producers Association President in 2022 and now serves on the board of directors. He says that 2022 was a year of smooth sailing.Rasmussen says that a big focus in 2022 was helping to...
Chief Ag Negotiator talks top trade priorities
Doug McKalip is busy in his role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative?s Office. At the recent USDA Ag Outlook Forum, McKalip talked about some of his top priorities.?The first focus would be on keeping markets we have open,? McKalip...
Iowa to request emergency E15 waiver for 2023
States seeking year-round E-15 may request an emergency waiver for the 2023 summer driving season. The Environment Protection Agency announced a proposal this week to allow year-round E-15 in states that requested the waiver. However, the proposal delays...
ARC/PLC signup deadline fast approaching
The temperatures are turning warmer. Soon, we will be back in daylight savings time. The itch to get the dirt turned and the seed planted is starting to affect us all. It?s almost time to start the 2023 crop season here in Iowa. However, before you do any of that, you...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-2-23)
This week?s export sales were uneventful. This is to be expected since we have been going through option expirations. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided a breakdown of the latest U.S. Export Sales Report.For a while, export demand was low since U.S....
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John Deere Foundation donates $2 million to Food Bank of Iowa
Last week, the John Deere Foundation announced a $2 million gift to fund the vital expansion of the Food Bank of Iowa’s Des Moines distribution center and support its “Building Healthy Futures” capital campaign. This is on top of the nearly $270,000 in unrestricted...
Earning extra premiums and extra revenue per acre
Benson Hill has invested in growth in the state of Iowa by expanding its infrastructure in the state. With a soybean crush facility in Creston, a warehouse and seed treatment location in Bondurant, and facilities for high oleic soybeans for specialty use, Iowa growers...
Ethanol and the Grain Indemnity Fund remain top issues for Iowa corn growers
Discussing the issues surrounding crop production with Logan Lyon, District Director for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, including ethanol demand and carbon pipelines. There are always a lot of outside influences in regard to crop production far beyond what happens...
Secretary Naig announces availability of grants for urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting pre-applications for cost-share grant funding to support urban conservation projects. “Communities of all sizes can utilize urban...
Farm safety isn’t just for one week a year
Next week is Farm Safety Week, and you will likely be hearing messages from all across the ag industry reminding you to be safe. I decided to get a jump on all of them and send you my message this week. While it is great to spend one week a year driving home the...
