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Cattle producers aren’t surprised that NWS made it across the border
New World Screwworm (NWS) finally made its way into the U.S. last week, but the cattle industry isn’t surprised it happened. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall said they have been expecting this to happen for a while. Woodall said it’s been 60 years since the U.S. had to deal with the screwworm, and it took almost 40 years to eradicate. Fortunately, Woodall said more help is already on the way. For more information, visit ncba.org.
Getting the best deal possible as interest rate cuts remain elusive
To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023. As inflation has receded, expectations for rate cuts have not materialized. 2024 has been a difficult interest environment for farmers with rates steady and no...
USDA funds to support farmworkers
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000...
Spring rains have been more of a blessing than a curse
This spring has given Iowa an interesting start to the 2024 growing season. On the one hand, we know that the rains slowed down planting progress, but we also needed the rains to replenish the drought-stricken soils and give our crops a fighting chance to have a less...
USDA aids Landus in opening new fertilizer production facility
Yesterday marked the ribbon cutting of Landus’ brand new 75,000-square-foot Fertilizer Production and Distribution Facility in Boone. The facility, which costs nearly $15 million, will produce sustainable, slow-release fertilizer products to bring environmentally and...
One Health approach protects humans, pigs, and the environment
The One Health approach is vital in meeting the growing market demand for pork. As consumers become more conscientious about the food they consume, there is a heightened focus on food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Dr. Heather Fowler,...
NPPC continues to work towards solutions for farm labor
As rural populations continue to decline in rural America, labor issues have become a hurdle for the agriculture industry. With many rural counties losing population to urban centers, the number of available workers for agricultural jobs has also declined. As an...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-7-24)
Strong export sales were reported again this week by the USDA. The hope is that these sales will continue past the week of the election. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Recent flash sales have actually lightened up a...
National FFA leadership team has wide variety of farm experience
Thirty-seven candidates vied for the honor of being elected to the 2024-2025 National FFA Leadership Team during the recent National FFA Convention. This year’s team has a wide variety of farm experience, but they all share a common passion for agriculture. Mary...
Soybean markets turning more attention to planting in South America
As harvest wraps up in the United States, oilseed markets are turning more attention to planting progress in South America. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says the markets have a new focus. He says oil seed analysts and traders are paying close attention...
Treasury expands foreign land purchase oversight
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United...
Is Ag in a recession? It depends on who you ask
We talked earlier in the week about the October Rural Mainstreet Index numbers being less than stellar. But what does that mean for the Ag industry? It all depends on who you ask. Most economists agree that things are slower and more sideways than in recent years, and...
