Top Stories
Questions remain with U.S.-China trade deal
It’s been an interesting time in the soybean market, especially when it comes to trade with China. Initially, it was great to hear that the U.S. and China agreed to a trade framework that included China making U.S. soybean purchases. Jim McCormick, chief operating officer at AgMarket.Net, said he was pleased to hear about this, but he had some questions concerning the agreement. McCormick said the U.S. and China don’t technically have a signed agreement yet, so this framework could still fall...
Ag groups react to the end of the government shutdown
American agriculture groups reacted positively to the official end of the government shutdown this week. “American cattle producers need their government running at full capacity to provide critical services and market data,” said Ethan Lane, the senior vice president...
On-farm report expands sustainability beyond the barn
Sustainability for America’s pig farmers is about doing what’s right for pigs, people, and the planet—guided by the industry’s We Care® ethical principles. The Pork Cares Farm Impact Report program helps strengthen market demand for pork, foster valuable partnerships...
Rollins heads USDA Mexico trade mission and screwworm review
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins led the largest USDA agribusiness trade mission ever assembled during a visit to Mexico City last week. The delegation included forty one American companies, more than thirty commodity groups and advocacy groups, six state...
Non-food uses for U.S. soybeans
The livestock industry drives most of the demand for U.S. soybeans, but there are actually plenty of non-food opportunities for soybeans as well. Soybean protein can be used in rubber products, which opens the door for a myriad of different uses. United Soybean Board...
New National FFA President looking forward to the coming year
Trey Myers of Oklahoma was recently elected as the new president of National FFA. He said it hasn’t truly sunk in yet, but it’s getting there. Myers said he was elected to a local FFA office as a freshman in college, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to run for National...
H-2A program still needs more fixes to be affordable
The calls for modernizing the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers continue to be heard across the spectrum of agriculture. The worker visa program has seen some recent adjustments to calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate which is seen as an improvement...
Video
More Ag News
Grain markets react negatively to November WASDE
Friday brought us the first WASDE report in two months, and the markets had lofty expectations. However, the figures from this report were disappointing and caused a negative reaction in the grain prices to end the week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said...
Increased biofuel demand could boost farm economy
At a time when the farm economy is facing a downward turn, farmers and ranchers are looking for expanded market opportunities. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said increased biofuel production could be one avenue to increase farm...
The push for a skinny farm bill before the end of the year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Friday if a skinny farm bill can be passed before the end of the year. Grassley says that Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is working towards that goal. Grassley expands on the landscape of the Senate and potential...
From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
Trade trip aims to deepen ties with Vietnam and Indonesia
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was wheels up early this morning as he headed out on a state trade mission to Southeast Asia. The delegation will spend the next several days in Vietnam and Indonesia, two fast-growing markets that continue to show strong interest...
