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Uncertainty grows over future of U.S. farm bill legislation
Agriculture policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era, as lawmakers struggle to produce comprehensive legislation. The most recent farm bill provisions expired in 2023 and Congress has extended them annually since, leaving perennial programs in limbo. Experts say shifting political priorities and partisan divides have complicated efforts to craft a broad farm policy package that addresses commodity supports, conservation, nutrition and rural...
Chefs across Vietnam gather for Porkstars competition
Chefs from across Vietnam recently competed in Porkstars, a cooking competition designed to promote creative uses of U.S. pork. Now in its third year, the livestreamed event is a collaboration between the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the National Pork Board, the...
Gas prices should remain mostly unaffected by Hurricane Milton
Back-to-back hurricanes in the southern United States are taking a tremendous toll on everyone involved. One of the few places that likely won’t feel as big of an effect is the price of gas. Patrick DeHaan of GasBuddy.com said Milton, the latest hurricane, likely...
Ag trade deficit continues to grow
The ag trade deficit continues to grow, based on USDA’s latest trade figures for fiscal year ’24 through August. USDA Economist Bart Kenner says US farm exports continue to decrease. Imports on the other hand are on the upswing. That’s nearly twice the farm trade...
Scientists examining corporate influence over food and farm bill
The Union of Concerned Scientists recently released a report analyzing the influence of lobbying on food and agriculture systems. The report finds that agribusinesses, industry associations, and other interest groups have spent more than US$500 million to influence...
Crop protection doesn’t end in the field
We talk about what we need to do to protect our crops in the fields. We use various tools meant to protect our hard work from weeds, disease, and insects. We invest a lot of money into the plants we grow in the field and don’t want to see that investment endangered....
Small changes make the October WASDE report “neutral”
USDA published the October WASDE report at 11am on Friday morning and made slight changes to the numbers that can cause a reaction in the ag markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride says the report was not far off from industry expectations going into Friday,...
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Landus celebrates Carbon Intensity Program participants
Over 50 farmers were recognized by Landus last week for their participation in the pilot of the Carbon Intensity Program. To be enrolled, farmers provided machinery data and physical and digital records related to their farm programs and carbon intensity practices....
Takeaways from annual USDA crop production report
Market reaction was swift following the publication of reports last Friday from the USDA including the annual crop production report. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says changes made to corn and soybean yields were the focus. Those changes were made in the final...
Another strong month for red meat exports in November
November exports of U.S. red meat posted year-over-year gains across all categories, according to data released by USDA and compiled by The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. pork exports remained on a record pace. Beef...
Will $10 billion in economic payments offset farm income losses?
Researchers are still projecting negative returns for grain producers even after assistance from Washington, highlighting the extent of the downturn in the agricultural industry. U.S. farmers and ranchers have access to $10 billion in economic aid as part of the farm...
USB Executive Committee looks to increase demand in 2025
The United Soybean Board (USB) tirelessly promotes the soy industry here and abroad. By funding the Soybean Checkoff, they are building a strong return on investment for every dollar farmers invest. Iowa Farmer Rob Ewoldt knows first-hand what the USB’s work is doing...
