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Iowa Farm Act brings Iowa Ag voices to the Capitol
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is introducing a new concept aimed at bringing focus to agricultural policy in the state. The proposal, known as the Iowa Farm Act, is designed to bundle a wide range of agriculture-related priorities into one comprehensive package. Naig says the idea behind the Iowa Farm Act is similar to a state-level farm bill, pulling together many different sectors of agriculture under one legislative vehicle. Rather than...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-26-24)
The weekly export sales were highlighted by some very strong bean exports, which were some of the highest we’ve ever seen for this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of the report. McBride said there were some smaller flash sales this week...
Commodity naming rights agreement keeps trade going in Chile
The U.S. recently signed an agreement with Chile to continue uninterrupted trade after a dispute arose over naming rights for products like cheese. Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, said this agreement is good news for U.S....
Early fall weather has been cooperative for harvest
So far during the dry-down and early harvest season, the weather has been cooperative for farmers. That is USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey. He says that the weather has been mild across large stretches of the country where row crops are grown. Corn and soybeans are...
Choose Iowa surpasses 100 member milestone
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that Choose Iowa, the state’s official brand and marketing initiative for Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made food and ag products, has surpassed 100 members statewide and is continuing to build momentum....
Rootworm battle starts with the seed purchase
Corn rootworm is the billion-dollar pest for a reason. That is about the value of bushels lost each year because of them. The populations are on the rise, and the battle grows even tougher. We have many tools available for our use in the fight, but the key is to start...
Colombia fully reopens to U.S. beef trade
The Colombian government recently lifted its ban on U.S. beef originating from states in which H5N1 was detected in dairy cows. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that the reopening of beef trade comes after tireless work from USDA and...
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Pork is great for any plate
Consumers choose pork at the meat case for different reasons. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition at the National Pork Board, said taste is the top driver in food choices. Hicks-Roof said the National Pork Board is gaining momentum in connecting with the...
USDA forecasts higher retail egg prices for 2025
If you purchased eggs throughout 2024 you are well aware of the climbing price of eggs over the course of the year. Eggs are up in price on average 7.7% compared to last year. Unfortunately, those prices are not expected to decline in 2025. That is USDA economist,...
Rapid growth for biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2024
The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and...
Port labor contract dispute disrupting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt U.S. exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in mid-November over...
Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 1)
It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end on Wednesday. It feels like just yesterday that we were kicking off the new year. I know they say time flies, but this one felt like we blinked and missed it. However, as fast as this year seemed to go, it wasn’t...
