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USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of tightening supplies across the U.S. beef industry. As of January 1, 2026, the total U.S. cattle and calf inventory stood at 86.2 million head, down slightly from a year ago. The report keeps the industry on a familiar trajectory, as...
ISU Seed Science Center leading the way nationally and internationally
The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is a national and international leader in seed research, education, technology transfer, and international seed programs. The center assists with teaching, research, and extension programs on seed in the College of...
Delayed tariffs set to go into effect next week
Time is running out on the 30-day delay on the implementation of President Trump’s tariffs. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada are set to go into effect next week, and Canada has already announced plans for retaliation. Betty Resnick, an economist with the American Farm...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-26-25)
After an extended period of dry weather, there’s now plenty of rain in South America. In fact, it has rained so much that they are now worried about having too much rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and...
NPPC President Lori Stevermer testifies before Senate and discusses Prop 12
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn., brought the industry’s point of view to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee today through her “Perspectives from the Field” hearing...
Slowing equipment purchases highlight pressures on the rural economy
The downturn in commodity prices doesn’t just impact farmers—it sends shockwaves through the entire agricultural economy, affecting everyone from equipment dealers to rural retailers. When farmers tighten their budgets, they spend less on machinery, supplies, and even...
Using carbon markets to increase profit margins
As input prices make margins tighten, farmers are looking for other ways to increase their profits. One option is to enroll in a carbon market program. Lisa Kubik, inside sales manager with Agoro Carbon, said they have a variety of programs farmers can take advantage...
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Clean fuels industry contributes over $40 billion to U.S. economy
A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages. According to the report, nearly half of the total...
April rainfall delivers drought relief
April delivered on its promise of April showers and helped to shrink drought coverage across the nation with much needed rainfall. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the latest U.S. Drought Monitor looks much improved to begin May. Rippey says that last fall’s peak...
Iowa Corn, Hy-Vee, Growth Energy partner on Unleaded 88 branding
On Monday, Iowa Corn and Growth Energy announced that they have partnered with Hy-Vee to update the branding for Unleaded 88 at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience stores across the Midwest. Unleaded 88 is a fuel blend with 15% ethanol, usable in 96% of today’s cars...
Secretary Rollins sends letter about screwworm spread to Mexican government
The threat of New World screwworm is looming, but not enough progress has been made towards containing it. Recently, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins wrote a letter to Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Julio Berdegué Sacristán, urging the Mexican government to...
Japan ramen chain now using underutilized U.S. pork cuts
Two national ramen noodle chains in Japan are now using underutilized U.S. pork cuts in popular dishes, thanks to product development efforts led by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and funded through support from the National Pork Board and USDA. USMEF...
