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Rollins confirms NWS detection 25 miles from U.S.-Mexico border
Today, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins held a press conference with the media to provide a full update on the New World Screwworm (NWS) situation and clear up some misleading headlines that have been circulating. There was a lot of concern building over an alleged detection of NWS less than a mile from the border, but this was not the case. Rollins said there are new cases that have been reported, but the closest one is still 25 miles away. This case is too close for comfort, and Rollins said...
New labor law piles even more regulations on farmers
A new rule from the Department of Labor is once again adding to the regulatory burden of farmers and ranchers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that while farmers obviously care about their employees,...
The science behind healthy plant ecosystems
Healthy soil is just as much a part of farming as the health of the plant. Soil health allows for the best ecosystem to assist plant growth throughout the crop season, giving that plant the best opportunity to grow to its maximum potential. Therefore, better soil...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
Chief Ag Negotiator McKalip speaks with NAFB members in Washington
We talk a lot about trade and the effects it has on the agricultural economy. We have heard concerns from Ag groups about the trade situation and their worries that the administration isn’t being as aggressive on trade as possible. During the NAFB Washington Watch...
U.S. red meat capitalizing on desire for convenience
Consumers across the globe are seeking convenient ways to enjoy high-quality meals without extensive preparation or visiting a restaurant. Home meal replacement (HMR) kits are one way to satisfy this need, and the Korean market is a worldwide leader in the development...
Sustainability highlighted by Pork Cares Farm Impact Report
The latest Pork Cares Farm Impact Report snapshot shares on-farm sustainability measurements from 2022 farm data. Jamie Burr, National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer, said the reach of those conservation measures has improved considerably. Burr said the...
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More Ag News
Quarterly Grain Stocks report didn’t make much of an impact
The grain markets were positioned for an impactful Quarterly Grain Stocks report, but what we got today was simply a neutral and slightly positive report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers were friendly to the marketplace. McBride said the...
Partisan gridlock and the election could again delay farm, ag spending bills
Partisan gridlock and fallout from the November election could again force Congress to postpone key decisions for agriculture into 2025. It’s not just the farm bill, but USDA and other spending bills are also stuck in months of political gridlock in a narrowly divided...
Coastal port strike will have a big impact on meat and livestock industries
Longshoremen at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts are set to strike when their current labor contract expires at midnight tonight. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror said a shutdown will have a significant economic impact...
Veterinarian shortage reaching crisis level
Veterinarian shortages are not new. Anyone who ever needed a vet in the middle of the night will tell you that. And any rural vet called in the middle of the night will agree. What is new is the realization that it is about to get worse. “If our veterinary workforce...
Secretary Naig excited for the harvest season
Harvest is well underway here in Iowa. Farmers are hitting the fields and getting the crops out while the weather is extremely cooperative. With no real rains in the forecast and warmer temperatures; it should hopefully make for a smooth harvest season. We know when...
