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Beef exports were strong in July while pork was down
July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the value increase was driven primarily by another outstanding month for Taiwan, as well as strong results in other parts of the globe. Halstrom said that, although restrictions related to a finding of pseudorabies virus (PRV) were removed in mid-to-late July, pork exports –...
Equipment market finding stability after volatile swings
After several years of dramatic highs and lows, the farm equipment market may finally be starting to stabilize. Corey Nordhausen with AgDirect says it doesn’t take much of a look back to see just how quickly conditions changed. That surge in demand created tight...
Managing weeds during unpredictable spring weather
As we have seen over the past couple weeks, the weather in Iowa can change on a dime. According to NOAA, that variability will continue throughout the 2026 spring season. This can make weed management even more difficult- drier areas will have to be mindful of...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-17-26)
The weather patterns are still favorable for farmers as harvest and planting continues in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for South America. McBride said progress is still looking good for both harvest and...
Dry winter did not replenish needed moisture for growing season
Generally speaking, it was a mild and dry winter season for the United States. And it has left many areas of the country with dryness as the beginning of the planting season approaches. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the lack of precipitation this winter...
China signals openness to buying more U.S. ag products
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held what were called “remarkably stable” talks in Paris during the weekend on several topics. Reuters said the discussions centered on potential areas of agreement in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade for U.S....
U.S. soybean quality delivering value in global markets
As global soybean production continues to expand, competition in export markets is increasing. However, U.S. soybean leaders say quality remains one of the biggest advantages American farmers bring to the global marketplace. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S....
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Iowa State University encourages students to pursue all areas of agriculture
Today marked the final day of the 98th Annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. The event, which takes place on the campus of Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, isn’t just an opportunity to connect with fellow FFA members- high school juniors and seniors often also...
Congress proposes changes to Endangered Species Act
New legislation is aimed at providing improvements and updates to the Endangered Species Act. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the organization especially appreciates the updates help to...
Findings from April Cattle on Feed Report
The Cattle on Feed Reports from USDA provide a look at the inventory of cattle in feedlots throughout the United States. The April Cattle on Feed Report shows another year over year decrease according to USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell. McConnell points out...
U.S. to use tariff funds to offset high fertilizer prices
The Trump administration is preparing to direct tens of billions of dollars from tariffs and renegotiated trade deals toward strengthening domestic fertilizer production, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Speaking before lawmakers during a House...
AG trade deficit drops 42 percent
New numbers from USDA show progress in reducing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, but officials say there is still more work ahead to return to a long-standing trade surplus. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says when the...
