Top Stories
Nigeria now open to receive U.S. red meat exports
U.S. agriculture has seen another market access win, as Nigeria is now open to a wide range of U.S. beef and pork products. Previously, Nigeria only accepted a limited number of processed meat items, but the USDA Export Library now says that U.S. red meat products can be exported to Nigeria unless otherwise excluded. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Africa Representative Matt Copeland said the access gains are the result of discussions that have happened with key Nigerian policymakers over...
Iowa Dairy Princess passes crown at state fair
The Iowa dairy industry has a new set of representatives following the crowning of the 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess and alternate at the Iowa State Fair. Hannah Hagen of Allamakee County was selected as the 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess, while Mae Wiedemeyer, representing the...
Next-generation Big Boar Zoomer takes top prize at Iowa State Fair
Zoomer, a six-year-old boar from Atlantic Iowa, is the 2026 Iowa State Fair Big Boar contest winner tipping the scale at 1,246 pounds. Zoomer is owned by Todd Schuler of Atlantic and he tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that Zoomer has the frame to put on...
Largest-ever combined corn and soy planted acreage
U.S. farmers planted a record amount of corn and soybeans in the 2026/27 season, USDA reported this week. Combined planted acreage of the two crops reached 183.5 million acres, more than 3 million acres higher than the previous combined crop record. The record was...
Major reports can cause sudden market shifts
As we saw with the August WASDE report, sudden surprises can cause the grain prices to jump up at a moment’s notice. With the right preparations, farmers can take advantage of those price rallies to get premium prices for their stored grain. Michael Weidner, director...
U.S.-Canada trade negotiations are vital to agriculture success
U.S. farmers and ranchers are paying close attention to the negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. Virginia Houston, the senior director of congressional affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, highlights the vital roles Mexico and Canada...
Active August weather could boost Iowa crops
Strong thunderstorms rolled through Iowa on the opening morning of the Iowa State Fair, putting the weather front and center. While the storms may not have been what fairgoers wanted to see, the broader weather pattern could be arriving at a good time for Iowa crops....
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More Ag News
Supporting farmers and small businesses across the country
The Iowa State Fair is a top entertainment event for the state, but it also serves as an opportunity to connect people with agriculture. This is especially important as each new generation becomes further removed from the farm. Bringing that connection back starts...
U.S. soybean export sales surge
U.S. soybean export sales jumped during the latest reporting week, providing encouraging news for farmers heading toward harvest. USDA data released Thursday showed sales for delivery during the 2026-27 marketing year reached 1.76 million metric tons during the week...
A winning farewell for Reynolds at steer show
Governor Kim Reynolds went out a winner in her final Governor’s Charity Steer Show Saturday at the Iowa State Fair. Reynolds teamed up with Kayle Englin of Orange City and his steer, Norm, for her final trip through the show ring as governor. By the end of the...
Norm ready to take the big stage at 2026 Governor’s Charity Steer Show
Governor Kim Reynolds is participating in her final Governor’s Charity Steer Show as Iowa Governor at this year’s 2026 fair. She is the celebrity show person for Norm, the steer of exhibitor Kayle Englin of Orange City Iowa. Norm’s sponsors are the Iowa Beef Industry...
Celebrating 100 years of Pioneer continues at the Iowa State Fair
August 13th marks the launch of an iconic event for Iowans, the Iowa State Fair. The first day of the fair coincides with an important date for the folks at Pioneer as the company celebrates its 100th year. Doug Reynolds of Pioneer took some time to talk about the...
