Top Stories
Heavier cattle weights bring bonuses and challenges at marketing time
As everyone knows by now, the total number of cattle in the U.S. herd is historically low. One of the ways that the low supply is being compensated for to meet the high demand for beef is by keeping cattle on feed longer and feeding them to heavier finishing weights. Dr. Derrell Peel, the extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, says those heavier weights are having an impact. There are also downsides to feeding cattle to heavier weights, including additional...
Keys to optimizing a pig’s first litter
A gilt’s first litter is notoriously difficult. From low birth weight to high mortality, poor performance has become so ordinary for these litters that producers often come to expect it. Dr. Brad Lawrence of NOVUS tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that it is...
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...
Food and ag groups call for USMCA renewal
The future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is drawing attention from agricultural groups across North America as the trade pact approaches its required six-year review this summer. Nearly 160 organizations representing the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican food and...
Drought pressures western rangeland management
When I visited Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about the challenges facing western rangelands as drought conditions continue to affect large portions of the...
New research studies connection between PRRS and gastric ulcer development in pigs
Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome, or PRRS, is a disease that is always top-of-mind for swine producers. On top of its primary symptoms, there are many side effects that can occur in infected hogs. Boehringer Ingelheim has led some new research into the...
USDA finalizes specialty crop assistance program details
The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, announced late last year. Danny Munch, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the funds are part of the USDA’s broader Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. The...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (6-9-26)
While drier conditions still remain in South America, recent rainfall has caused a notable improvement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. Currently, farmers in Brazil just wrapped up first crop...
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...
USMCA trade agreement vital to Iowa’s ag trade
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) is a free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The agreement lasts for 16 years, with reviews every six years. With the July 1st renewal deadline drawing near Farmers for Free Trade held a...
IDALS issues guidance to protect animals from New World Screwworm
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued the following guidance for livestock producers, pet owners, and veterinarians to help protect animals from the parasitic New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. The guidance comes after multiple cases of...
USDA reports new screwworm cases in Texas, New Mexico
Additional cases of New World Screwworm have now been confirmed in both Texas and New Mexico, prompting USDA to further expand its response efforts. During a briefing on Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined the latest detections and provided an update on the...
