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DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are examining whether consolidation among the nation’s largest meatpackers contributed to inflated beef prices for consumers and reduced prices paid to cattle producers. The four largest beef processors control roughly 85% of the fed...
NPPC criticizes activist tone in MAHA
The reaction to the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report has been mixed, largely depending on which side of the debate you're on. For the ag industry, though, it raises fresh concerns, especially regarding how Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
Swine producers feeling cautiously optimistic for 2025
Following a historic downturn in the swine industry in 2024, producers are feeling more optimistic about what 2025 will bring. So far, the first half of the year has been good to producers across Iowa. Chris Ford, vice president of swine agribusiness with Farm Credit...
Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign is built for the modern consumer
Taste What Pork Can Do is the new industry wide campaign from the National Pork Board that primarily uses digital media to connect with younger consumers. The campaign has been active for about a month, and the Iowa Ag Radio Network got an update on the campaign from...
Addressing the increasing age of farmers and ranchers
Data shows that the average age of American farmers and ranchers is getting higher. This is a major concern in farm country because it means that newer generations aren’t returning to the farm. American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall testified on this...
Researchers develop a new avian influenza test
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza. The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian...
National Corn Growers urge permanent E15 access
Year-round availability of E15 fuel remains a top priority for both the ethanol industry and corn farmers. While we've spoken with ethanol groups in the past about how vital it is for domestic biofuel production, it's just as important to the grain markets that supply...
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Bacon Buddies- a heartwarming Iowa State Fair tradition
In what is now a heartwarming annual tradition, this year’s Bacon Buddies show saw great success again on August 9th. This year’s judges were Jared and Sherri Baker, who took over judging duties from Matt and Heidi Rohrig. Although instead of “judging,” the judges...
Corn and soybeans had opposite reactions to August WASDE
Most analysts were predicting a modest WASDE report today, but several surprises caused opposite reactions in the corn and soybean markets. The biggest surprise was in the corn, where the USDA increased its corn yield estimate to 188.8 bushels per acre. Allendale...
Industry competitors working together to improve Iowa’s water quality
Agriculture's Clean Water Alliance (ACWA) marked its 25th anniversary of commitment to improving water quality in Iowa and productivity for Iowa’s farmers in 2024. Eric Scherder of Corteva agriscience says that Corteva has been a member of the ACWA since 2013....
IDALS to host Iowa State Fair ceremonies
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will host three award ceremonies this week celebrating and commemorating Iowa agriculture as part of the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Each of the three ceremonies is open to the media, and the public is invited to...
State Fair showcases the heart of Iowa agriculture
Yesterday, we celebrated the grit and legacy of Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farm families, but that is just one piece of the agricultural spotlight at the Iowa State Fair. Across the fairgrounds, agriculture takes center stage in ways both big and really big, from the...
