Top Stories
Stay prepared for emergencies when pumping manure
Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs with the National Pork Board, emphasized that every farm should have an emergency action plan in place before an emergency occurs, with all employees properly trained. Pit foam is a thick layer of methane gas that can build on the surface of deep-pit livestock manure storage systems. Agitated pits are an explosion risk if there’s an ignition source nearby and not properly locked out or tagged out, if applicable, or isolated. Tan says producers...
Demand for U.S. pork climbing higher in Central America
Demand for U.S. pork is reaching new heights in Central America, which has been one of the fasting growing regions in recent years. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Regional Representative Lucia Ruano said expanding the use of pork beyond just raw material for...
Farmers encouraged to review grain systems after harvest
Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for Iowa farmers, and keeping combines moving is only part of the equation. Getting grain from the field into storage efficiently can make a major difference in how smoothly the season progresses. Even with careful...
Harvest is a good time to think about changes for next year
Plenty of rain has caused harvest delays and yield losses in fields across the state. While nothing can be changed about that at this point in the crop year, now is still a good time to make observations of what things can be improved for next year. Landus Cooperative...
August beef exports above last year while pork trended lower
Fueled by a near-record performance in Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea, August exports of U.S. beef increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports reached 86,362 metric tons (mt)...
More farmers using drones than ever
Just a few years ago, drones were a novelty in the agricultural world. Today they are being used in ever increasing numbers and are becoming a major part of farming operations across the country. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation,...
Chinese buyers book another large round of U.S. soybeans
Chinese state-owned trading firms have purchased another 10 to 13 cargoes of U.S. soybeans, adding to a major round of buying earlier this week and signaling renewed demand from China. Reuters reports the latest purchases are scheduled for shipment between December...
Video
More Ag News
AFBF applauds diesel price relief
The White House announced an aid package to help farmers battle the high cost of diesel. The Trump administration announced it will provide $8 billion in relief for farmers getting squeezed during harvest by the high price of diesel fuel. John Newton, vice president...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-20-26)
As the future for U.S. grain demand looks uncertain, the success of the crops in South America could cause some heavy competition in the marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Teddy Tarvis said the weather in South America is still looking like it will be cooperative...
Grassley discusses path for farm bill passage before end of the year
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told the media in recent weeks that he intends to pass the GOP farm bill before the end of the year, even if it must be attached to other legislation. During his weekly ag conference call on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was...
Producer led domestic marketing advisory committee strengthens demand
The National Pork Board (NPB) recently formed six producer-led advisory committees tied to its strategic plan. The Domestic Marketing Advisory Committee helps strategize market growth across channel partners in foodservice, retail, packers and processors. In addition,...
Grain quality problems can become safety emergencies
As harvest continues across Iowa, farmers are working to get this year's crop out of the fields and into storage. But getting grain into the bin is only part of the job. Maintaining proper storage conditions is essential to protecting grain quality and preventing...
