Top Stories
Several changes to U.S. pork production in August WASDE
The August WASDE report lowered its estimate for 2026 U.S. pork production by 79 million pounds to 27.876 billion pounds as a result of slower slaughter speeds and lighter third-quarter carcass weights. Pork exports were also reduced to 7.175 billion pounds, while ending stocks increased slightly to 445 million pounds. Lee Schulz, chief economist at Ever.Ag, said he uses the WASDE report as a benchmark to help frame production expectations. He acknowledges the lower production in the 4th...
Diversified markets supporting U.S. soybean demand
U.S. soybean exports wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected, even as trade tensions created challenges in some key markets. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the year finished with the third-highest total soy complex exports ever...
New biomanufacturing device makes biological production more accessible
Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) have developed a biomanufacturing device that could make it much more feasible for companies to produce biological products on a small scale. Funded by BioMADE, the Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor-Extractor-Separator...
What to expect in the Prospective Plantings Report
The 2026 USDA Prospective Plantings Report is scheduled for release on Tuesday March 31st. The report surveys farmer planting intentions for major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and more. This report gives us the first real snapshot of what planted acreage...
Searching for Iowa’s Best Burger
For those searching for the best burger in Iowa, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are making the quest easier as they announce the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest. More than 350 restaurants were...
2025 saw almost record volume and value for pork exports
2025 proved to be another strong year for U.S. pork exports, with a volume of 2.9 million metric tons. This is three percent shy of the 2024 record, but it was still the third highest on record. Value was three percent down from 2024’s record but the second highest...
Understanding soil variability can improve crop management
Understanding what is happening below the soil surface can help farmers make more precise agronomic decisions and better target their input investments. New tools are allowing growers and agronomists to collect more detailed soil data that can reveal variability...
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More Ag News
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...
Farmers can’t afford all the fertilizer they need this spring
A new American Farm Bureau survey shows a large majority of farmers can’t afford enough fertilizer this year amid skyrocketing prices. Nearly half of Midwest farmers say they can’t afford all the fertilizer they need this year. Almost 70 percent in the Northeast and...
The search for Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin starts now
Got a go-to spot for a can’t-miss breaded pork tenderloin? Or better yet, does your restaurant serve one worth bragging about? Either way, it’s time to step up. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is kicking off the 2026 Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin...
Dairy campaign targets more family use
A new consumer campaign from Dairy Management, Inc. is designed to help families rethink the role dairy can play throughout the day. The Dairy Does More campaign is built around the idea that consumers often have blind spots when it comes to the foods they enjoy,...
