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Smithfield Foods awards 12 Impact Grants nationwide
Smithfield Foods has awarded more than $280,000 in Impact Grant funding to 12 nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities where Smithfield employees live and work. These grants build on the more than $24 million Smithfield invested in 2025 to strengthen communities nationwide, including donating more than 16 million servings of protein to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. “Through our Impact Grant Program, we are proud to partner with local organizations that are addressing...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-21-25)
After last week’s market news chaos, this week was much calmer. Export sales were great for corn and decent for soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales set another weekly record. Soybeans still have some issues to work out, but this week’s...
U.S. and EU issue a joint statement on trade framework
The U.S. and the European Union announced that they’ve agreed on a Framework of an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. Among the key terms, the EU intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and provide preferential market access for a...
Lower beef production, higher steer prices
Beef supplies continue to tighten, yet consumer demand remains strong. That has led to a one-way street for beef prices with the price continuing to climb for consumers. USDA’s August forecasts for beef production and steer prices also demonstrate the effect of...
Pork- a “friend to all foods”
Pork is often called a “friend to all foods” thanks to its versatility and being a carrier food. As one of the most widely consumed proteins globally, it's a natural fit for various meals. Emily Krause, director of nutrition, health, and wellness initiatives at the...
Iowa Corn Day puts spotlight on everyday impact
The Iowa State Fair is always a showcase for agriculture, and on Iowa Corn Day, the spotlight turns to the state’s leading crop. From food and fuel to global exports, corn’s impact reaches far beyond the fairgrounds. It’s also a chance for leaders in the industry to...
Cooperative Iowa weather has led to rapid crop growth
This year’s weather has been mostly outstanding for the crops, and that is easy to see when you look at your nearest corn and soybean fields. Too much rapid growth can cause problems, however, and Iowa farmers are seeing that this year. David Hoy, northeast Iowa...
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More Ag News
Looking ahead at financing options for 2026
It’s never too early to start thinking about the next crop season already. Vince Restucci, market segment manager with Valent, said farmers can start making next year’s plans as they sit in their combine cabs during harvest. Restucci said many financing programs for...
Grassley not optimistic for soybeans at Trump-Xi meeting
Longtime United States Senator and farmer Chuck Grassley is not optimistic that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping will reach a satisfactory conclusion on soybeans. The two presidents are set to meet at the upcoming Asia-Pacific...
Farmers are still flying blind in the ag economy
As harvest rolls on, farmers are flying blind when it comes to the ag economy. On top of the government shutdown, the lack of a new farm bill makes much of the future uncertain as well. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said farmers are missing out on several resources...
Study shows ag exports faltering
The U.S. has traditionally had a healthy agricultural trade surplus for years. As global dynamics change due to multiple political and economic factors, U.S. agricultural imports now exceed exports. A new study says the deficit is likely to get worse in the years...
Efficiency without reward in today’s dairy markets
Trying to make sense of today’s dairy markets might feel like trying to churn butter with a whisk. You can put in the effort, but the results may not make much sense. After a short stretch of stronger prices that gave producers a little breathing room, milk values...
