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PFI hosts 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosted the 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this week. The two-day event brought together all members of the meat industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. Amos Johnson, livestock education coordinator with PFI, said the event started off with a small tour across central Iowa. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people started to notice certain weaknesses of the meat supply chain. Johnson said the...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-16-26)
This week’s export sales were strong again for the corn markets. This is exactly what we need to see in order for meet high expectations. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Unfortunately, the soybeans continued...
Upcoming USDA reports to feature key data for hog producers
USDA livestock reports can offer valuable insights into the hog industry. Lee Schulz, Ph.D., chief economist of Ever.Ag, says that reports such as the annual livestock slaughter report, set for release on April 22, can give producers a snapshot of the state of the...
New data shows continued threat to food affordability due to California Prop. 12
Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with...
Filing season shows impact of farm tax changes
Farm families are getting a clearer picture of how last summer’s federal tax changes could affect long-term business planning after working through another filing season. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke...
To replant or not to replant, that is the question
This week’s unpredictable, severe weather shows just how quickly conditions can go from favorable to harmful for the crops in Iowa. No farmer wants to plan on making replant decisions, but it’s still important to keep in mind for when the crop season inevitably throws...
No E15, farm aid expected in GOP budget bill
Year-round E15 and additional farm aid are not expected to be included in a new GOP party-line budget bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the reconciliation bill will not include relief for farmers. According to Grassley, the White House has...
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Prop 12 repeal rides with Farm Bill to House floor
As the House prepares to take up the Farm Bill this week, pork producers are watching closely to see if Congress will finally address California’s Proposition 12. The National Pork Producers Council has made repeal of Prop 12 one of its top priorities, and Todd...
High diesel prices bite into Food Bank of Iowa’s budget
Gas prices have hit the highest level in four years, and with no end to the Iran war in sight, the impacts of these elevated prices will be felt for the foreseeable future. Diesel prices in particular have increased even more quickly, surging up 45% since the...
House farm bill and E15 legislation survives stall over debate rule
The quest to pass a new farm bill with legislation for year-round E15 hit another temporary roadblock on Wednesday in the U.S. House. Several Republicans joined the Democrats to initially deny the simple majority to bring up the farm bill, year-round E15, and several...
USDA details plan to boost fertilizer availability
Fertilizer prices have been a thorn in the side of farmers for several years and the conflict with Iran has only worsened the problem with the strait of Hormuz closure slowing shipping. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced measures to alleviate some of the...
Farm bill talks intensify in Congress
Congressional leaders are preparing for renewed debate over the next Farm Bill. Producer organizations are pressing lawmakers to strengthen the farm safety net as growers face weak crop prices, elevated borrowing costs and uncertainty over export demand. Reuters...
