Author: staff

DAILY Bites Vilsack called for expedited approval of inspection facilities to safely resume cattle imports from Mexico following a screwworm outbreak. Emergency funding increased sterile fly production fivefold, bolstering efforts to combat New World Screwworm in Mexico and prevent further spread. Cattle import suspension reduced U.S. supply by up to 300,000 head, affecting the market but supporting feeder cattle prices. DAILY Discussion Outgoing U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed a letter to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Julio Antonio Berdegué on Friday addressing efforts to restore cattle trade between the two nations following the detection of new world screwworm…

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) has launched Building Your Livestock Legacy Program, a new mentorship program. It is a self-guided online mentorship program hosted on Google Classroom that “connects aspiring livestock farmers with essential financial resources and/or with established farmers who want to pass their farm operation onto the next generation,” CSIF said in a press release.  Farmers interested in participating in the program can log on to supportfarmers.com or call CSIF at 800-932-2436. Participants will engage with a series of 20–25 video lessons led by industry experts, covering a range of topics such as financing, marketing, and…

By Ryan Hanrahan Reuters’ David Lawder, Andrea Shalal, and Jarrett Renshaw reported Monday evening that “President Donald Trump did not immediately impose tariffs on Monday as previously promised but said he was thinking about imposing 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico on Feb. 1 over illegal immigrants and fentanyl crossing into the U.S.” “As he was sworn into office, Trump stopped well short of a swift tariff action against the two U.S. neighbors, but directed federal agencies to investigate persistent U.S. trade deficits and unfair trade practices and alleged currency manipulation by other countries,” Lawder, Shalal, and Renshaw…

Agricultural ethanol production has emerged as a key player in the movement toward sustainable energy, offering a range of economic, environmental, and social benefits. As countries strive to reduce their carbon footprint and seek alternatives to fossil fuels, ethanol — particularly derived from crops like corn and sugarcane — has provided a renewable and cleaner-burning fuel source that supports rural economies and enhances energy security. 1. Boosting rural economies and supporting farmers One of the most significant benefits of ethanol production is its positive impact on rural communities and agricultural economies. Ethanol production increases demand for crops such as corn,…

DAILY Bites Avian flu confirmed in a commercial flock, threatening the state’s poultry industry. Poultry is Georgia’s #1 industry, the disease’s spread threatens this industry.  Biosecurity urged with USDA advises testing birds, avoiding untreated water, and limiting wild bird contact. DAILY Discussion For the first time since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza has struck a commercial poultry operation in Georgia. As the nation’s leading poultry producer, Georgia’s poultry industry is a cornerstone of its economy, and this development poses significant challenges. “This is a serious threat to Georgia’s No. 1 industry and the livelihoods of…

By Walter Bianchi BUENOS AIRES, Jan 17 (Reuters) – Argentina will likely regain its status as the second-biggest barley exporter as the current harvest wraps up, the Rosario grains exchange said on Friday, as the area sown with the crop expanded and other key exporters like Russia expect to ship less. Barley is widely used for livestock feed, as well as to make malt for beer and other alcoholic drinks. Argentina’s 2024/25 barley crop is forecast to yield 4.9 million metric tons with exports for the cycle seen reaching 3.4 million tons, according to a report by the exchange. Australia…

As an early adopter of technology, fifth-generation Iowa farmer Jason Haglund gets a thrill out of testing innovative products on his farm (while wearing his signature khaki pants). He combined his training as a therapist and experience as a behavioral health executive with his love of agriculture to co-found Rural Policy Partners.  Listen to the Podcast Subscribe to 15 Minutes With a Farmer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please rate and review us! Meet Jason Haglund Technology in agriculture is always evolving, thanks in part to farmers who are willing to test products and methods. Jason Haglund,…

Problem: Could the estate tax sunset create a problem for our farm? I’m very concerned about estate taxes. We have worked hard for what we have, and we don’t just want to give it all away to the government when we die. We keep seeing all these articles about the estate tax laws sunsetting on Jan. 1, 2026. That’s only a year away, and it doesn’t sound good. What should we do?  – From K.B., via email Solution: This is becoming a common question as the sunset date nears, K.B. I’ve heard from families with estates from $2 million to…

By Ana Mano SAO PAULO, Jan 14 (Reuters) – Brazilian crop agency Conab on Tuesday raised its forecast for domestic soy production in the 2024/2025 season to 166.32 million metric tons, citing good weather and a minor adjustment in the growth of the oilseed’s planted area. The new forecast for soy production in Brazil, the world’s biggest producer and exporter, is 12.6% higher than the 2023/24 harvest and a record. This season, Conab estimates cultivated area of 47.4 million hectare (117.1 million acres), an increase of 2.7% compared to the previous period. In December, Brazil’s soy area growth was pegged…

By Cami Koons Theresa Greenfield, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development state director for Iowa, announced Tuesday that Kate Sand, the deputy director, will take over as acting director.  Greenfield has been director of the office since November 2021 and will officially depart Jan. 20, according to a press release.  “It’s been an honor to serve the people of Iowa as State Director for USDA Rural Development,” Greenfield said in a statement.  Sand, a native Iowan, has worked with Iowa USDA Rural Development since 2004, and was the community program director for 10 years before transitioning to her current…