Top Stories
Pork exports continue to build momentum
Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year's pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons. Mexico remained the top customer, purchasing $1.09 billion worth of U.S. pork. Japan posted one of the strongest gains, with export value increasing 14 percent and volume rising 19 percent. Demand also remained solid across...
GROWMARK driving growth in carbon marketplace
Momentum is building in the carbon credit marketplace as demand from companies seeking to meet sustainability goals continues to rise. Farmers are increasingly benefiting from this trend, receiving additional revenue by adopting climate-friendly practices such as...
EPA releases new insecticide plan
The Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of its plan to protect endangered species while still allowing farmers the flexibility to use insecticides to protect their crops. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
Protecting your profits by protecting your grain
One of the often-overlooked aspects of grain storage is the amount of lost grain and grain quality loss due to insect damage. John Mays is the senior director for grain and specialty ag at Central Life Sciences and he says more growers need to be aware of grain bugs...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-1-25)
Weekly export sales are continuing to perform above the yearly averages. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales are looking very good. Soybeans were more modest, but still good. McBride said the performance of both markets is interesting given the...
State and Federal decisions shape Iowa ag
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) plays a vital role in supporting farmers across the state, promoting agricultural innovation, conservation, and economic growth. Through a range of programs and initiatives, the department helps ensure...
Halftime Bar & Grill named Iowa’s 2025 Best Burger
On the square in Pleasantville, Iowa, family, community, and Iowa’s best burger intersect at Halftime Bar & Grill. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are proud to name Halftime Bar & Grill—and its owners, the DeHeer family—the home...
Video
More Ag News
Hot and humid conditions and the impact on agriculture
This week in Iowa has been hot, humid, and wet with frequent rainfall and humidity that has stressed humans and livestock. Iowa is not alone as the United States has featured wide swaths of similar weather. The extremes of the hot and humid weather have been felt in...
Smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1973
The July Cattle on Feed Report offered little relief to customers paying higher prices for beef. That’s despite the cycle of herd liquidation that seems to be slowly ending. There were 94.2 million cattle and calves in the U.S. as of July 1, the lowest mid-year number...
Iowa farmers urged to keep tar spot from ruining bumper crop
Iowa has received plenty of rain recently, and the temperatures have finally cooled off as well. On top of that, we’re looking at one of the biggest crops in recent history. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s not sure that he’s ever seen such a big...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-30-25)
The weather in South America has still not changed much, with farmers in Brazil and Argentina seeing mostly clear and dry conditions. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there are scattered rain showers, but otherwise the weather remains status quo. The dry...
Basis matters now, say Midwest ag economists
Tight corn supplies might normally trigger a rally in the market, but so far, that hasn’t been the case. Despite strong demand and dwindling stocks, futures prices have stayed relatively steady. That’s because—while the numbers show a squeeze—markets may be confident...
