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U.S. Export Sales Report (6-4-26)
There was a disappointing aftertaste to this week’s export sales report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this week’s corn sales are lower than what we’ve been getting used to. While the soybean sales saw an improvement this week, McBride said they are still lagging behind overall. Interestingly, the grain markets had a sharp negative tone today. McBride said there were a few factors weighing in on this negative activity. The team at Allendale can be reached by calling...
USDA reorganizes FSIS and establishes Food Safety Center in Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), aiming to modernize operations and better align the agency with today’s agricultural landscape. Central to the plan is the creation of a National...
Pilot program targets nitrogen efficiency
As Iowa farmers prepare to get planters rolling this spring, a new soil testing effort is aiming to help producers better manage fertilizer costs while also improving environmental outcomes. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the pilot program focuses on...
Farmers need to have flexible weed control programs
Weeds like water hemp are at the top of every farmer’s mind, especially as planting season rolls along. Producers need to have a broad spectrum of control in their weed management plans, or they will risk having those weeds develop resistances to the products they...
Canada patiently pursuing USMCA despite pressure from U.S.
The Trump administration is demanding what amounts to an ‘entry fee’ from Canada, in the form of agreeing to some concessions just to engage in trade talks relating to the USMCA deal. In particular, the U.S. administration is demanding pre-negotiation concessions from...
Iowa’s official America250 tree planted on Arbor Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and other state leaders gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today to plant Iowa’s official America250 tree. The event is part of a year-long, statewide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and honoring Iowa’s...
Rising prices impacting consumer choices
A recent survey about consumer buying trends shows that rising prices are affecting consumer’s choices when purchasing food. The survey was conducted by the Stratovation Group in partnership with food and agriculture communications agency Inspire. Kenny Kuhn is...
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More Ag News
Ernst builds on USDA food safety center announcement
Following up on last week’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about establishing a National Food Safety Center in Iowa, more details are emerging about what that move means for the state and the broader ag industry. The USDA’s Food Safety and...
Inspiring consumers to add more pork to their diets
The National Pork Board’s Retail Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting serves as a direct, industry-focused platform to connect retail leaders with key insights into the organization’s consumer campaigns and third-party consumer research. Neal Hull, NPB’s director of state...
U.S. beef has great new opportunities in the UK marketplace
U.S. beef recently regained duty-free access to the United Kingdom under a 13,000 metric ton quota included in the trade framework reached by the Trump administration last year. The quota provides the first zero-duty access to the UK since its exit from the European...
Examining the factors currently influencing the grain markets
Geopolitics, trade, and weather are all making an impact on the grain markets in recent weeks and that trend looks to continue as the calendar turns to May. Commodity broker Greg McBride of Allendale says that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Xi...
New tariff push raises farm trade concerns
New efforts by the Trump administration to impose fresh import tariffs are drawing concern across U.S. agriculture, where producers fear another round of retaliatory trade measures could weaken export demand for key commodities. The administration is pursuing...
