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U.S. red meat exports were strong in March
March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, concluding a very strong first quarter, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said increased year-over-year to leading market Mexico, as well as to Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Taiwan. Through the first quarter, pork exports were 3% above last year’s pace in both volume (778,939 mt) and value ($2.17...
Ag technology advancements are reshaping farming
In just a few short years cell phones, electric vehicles, online shopping, and other rapid technological advancements have become a part of everyday life. Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich says that these quickly advancing technologies are also...
Cover crop funds open for Iowa producers
Conservation farming practices are gaining traction nationwide as more producers see long-term benefits for their land and their bottom line. Farmers who have already adopted these methods say they pay off over time, improving soil health and setting up future...
An update on the status of H5N1 in the swine industry
The effects of H5N1 are still being felt across the livestock industry, even though it has mostly fell out of public focus. While there has been only one minor detection of H5N1 in U.S. swine, the industry is still prepared in the event of an outbreak. Dr. Marisa...
U.S. agriculture is leery of RFK Jr.’s policies
Many promises have been made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr., but few have been delivered on yet. The Make America Healthy Again Commission is being closely watched by American agriculture as it issues a widely anticipated report. Bill...
Inaugural statewide Choose Iowa farm store crawl set for June 21-22
On Wednesday Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the inaugural statewide Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22. The two-day event will also coincide with the Iowa Barn Foundation's (IBF) Spring Barn Tour in Cedar...
GROWMARK announces 2025 scholarship winners
Fifty-five students have been selected to receive scholarships totaling $2,000 each through the GROWMARK Foundation. Nearly 805 students from across the United States and Ontario, Canada, applied for the scholarships. Students who received scholarships will have those...
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Heat dome ridge led to derecho in Upper Midwest
The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-31-25)
This week’s export sales were back to the great pace that we saw for a while. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said new crop corn sales set a record for this week. On the other hand, McBride said the new crop soybean sales are concerning. McBride said some...
Grassley addresses the chances of a farm bill in 2025
After Congress included farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill, talk in Washington D.C. shifted to crafting a “skinny farm bill” before the end of 2025. The scaled down version of the traditional farm bill would address the remaining ag programs that were...
Ag groups support new trade deals
A series of new trade deals between the United States and countries around the world will directly benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. Groups like the American Farm Bureau support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers...
Iowa farmers facing tough fungicide calls
Wetter conditions and warmer temperatures have set the stage for a more active disease season in Iowa corn fields. Tar spot and northern corn leaf blight have already made their presence known in several areas, and concern is growing as the crop nears critical...
