Top Stories
November pork and beef export below year-ago levels
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26, even though that value is slightly below a year ago. The average for...
Developing a third source of nitrogen for crops
A new study has uncovered some interesting findings that could change nitrogen management for farmers. Researchers have found that gene-edited bacteria can supply nitrogen to crop roots during early corn growth. Dr. Logan Woodward, development agronomist for Pivot...
Farmers to plant more corn than first thought
U.S. farmers are seriously considering planting more corn and less soybean acres this spring than they did last year. Both growers and analysts told Reuters that they’re hoping to squeeze out more profits and shield themselves from possible tariffs on Mexico and...
GROWMARK honors 2024 Enduring Farms and advances sustainability efforts
GROWMARK and its FS-affiliated companies have named the Enduring Farm winners for the 2024 calendar year in addition to publishing its annual Endure Report detailing the GROWMARK System’s environmental, social, and governance engagement for the prior calendar year as...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-27-25)
We’ve been getting used to seeing some slightly lower export sales recently, but the markets did not react well upon seeing that again this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest export sales numbers from the USDA. A big part of the...
Radial farm tires can minimize soil compaction
When it comes to choosing tires for farm implements, it's important to have a tire that will help you get the job done while protecting your soil and crop yields. Bill Durivage, Firestone Ag tire expert, said choosing the right tires for your operation is very...
USDA Ag Outlook Forum gives snapshot of the farm economy
The USDA’s Chief Economist was one of the featured speakers during the opening ceremonies of USDA's Ag Outlook Forum Thursday. USDA’s Seth Meyer focused on the farm economy with his comments and the trends in commodity prices. Commodity prices year over year and cash...
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More Ag News
Don’t get too comfortable with the current cattle prices
Both the live and feeder cattle markets are experiencing unprecedented price levels. Those levels won’t last forever, though, so it’s important to maintain a level of caution when navigating the marketplace. Ross Baldwin, hedging strategist at AgMarket.Net, said he...
Examining the operating expense ratio
The operating expense ratio is a tool that farmers can utilize to determine the financial efficiency of their grain farms. Gerald Mashange, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, explains how the operating expense ratio is calculated. Mashange says...
Vaccinating birds against HPAI poses trade and logistical challenges
The war on avian influenza may soon include vaccines for birds. However, there are challenges to a nationwide vaccination strategy. USDA is investing significant resources to fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, including $100 million into research and development...
Bessent signals optimism as U.S./China trade talks stall in public
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNBC, expressed optimism that “substantial progress” in U.S./China trade negotiations could be achieved in the coming weeks. However, the overall status of talks remains uncertain, with public statements from both...
2025 World Pork Expo right around the corner
The 2025 World Pork Expo is right around the corner, set for early June in Des Moines, Iowa, and it promises to once again bring together pork producers, industry leaders, and ag enthusiasts from across the country. National Pork Producers Council President Duane...
