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Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sets 2026 legislative priorities
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, announces its state policy priorities heading into the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. These policy priorities focus on protecting private property rights, ensuring fair tax treatment for cattle producers, strengthening foreign animal disease preparedness, and improving livestock transportation efficiency. “These priorities reflect what Iowa cattle producers need to remain...
Specialty crop producer assistance deadline approaching
A deadline is approaching for U.S. specialty crop producers to sign up for marketing assistance. Applications are now open for USDA’s new $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. Danny Munch, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation,...
NPB marketing to a new brand of customer (Pt 1)
As we continue to evolve the agriculture business, it goes without saying that we need also to evolve the marketing of our products. As the age evolves, so do the consumers. Life has changed from one generation to the next, however, the need to eat is just as strong...
Grassley discusses bilateral trade agreements with Ag Secretary Nominee Rollins
President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins for the post of Secretary of Agriculture and the Senate Agriculture Committee is likely to hold a hearing with Rollins soon as Congress is now back in session. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) met with...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-7-24)
The U.S. markets are keeping a close eye on the weather in South America in the event that they see some crop issues, but right now the weather is looking to be rainy and supportive of their current crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the...
Marketing cattle can be challenging in January
The cattle market had a great year in 2024, and while things aren’t abysmal suddenly in January, it’s not a particularly strong time either. Scott Varilek of KKV Trading in Sioux Center, Iowa, said January typically isn’t the best month to market cattle. Varilek said...
Looking at tar spot in 2025
Every growing season brings us challenges. I wouldn’t call them “new” or “different” challenges for the most part. Most of them are things we have seen before but in different levels and combinations. While disease pressure is not anything new, tar spot has become a...
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President Signs EO to increase potash, other mineral production
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase domestic production of critical minerals, including potash. The president directed federal agencies to compile lists of pending mineral projects and expedite their review in coordination with the National...
Finding alternatives for Dicamba
Maintaining a stable weed control program is always a challenge, and the upcoming loss of Dicamba for growers in 2025 adds another layer of difficulty. Without this key tool, farmers must explore alternative solutions to manage resistant weeds effectively. Finding...
EPA working towards providing more clarity on WOTUS
The Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule could become clearer soon, as the EPA is now taking steps towards clarifying the WOTUS guidelines by listening to public comments. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said farmers and ranchers are very...
USMEF producer team explores Mexico market
A team of livestock and grain producers recently traveled with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to Monterrey, Mexico, to participate in the Expo Carnes trade show and for a firsthand look at market conditions. Held every other year in Monterrey, Expo Carnes is...
Cattle inventory breakdown from March Cattle on Feed report
The March Cattle on Feed report from USDA shows another year-over-year decrease in cattle inventory in feedlots in the United States. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says that the number of placements for the month of February was 18% lower than last year....
