Soybeans ended the session steady to modestly higher. There has been a lot of talk about the easing of the tariff battle with China, but no official public progress is evident. While any hint of negotiation between the world’s two largest economies can be seen as positive, it looks like beans are still largely taking…… Continue Reading

U.S. red meat production totaled 55.036 billion pounds in 2024. The USDA says that was 1% above the 2023 total, mostly commercial production, with half of that in either Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, or Texas. Beef production was slightly higher than the prior year at 27.049 billion pounds, with a 3% decline in slaughter canceled out…… Continue Reading

A southwest Iowa farmer says conditions have been favorable for planting. Duane Aistrope raises corn and soybeans in Fremont County. “I took on a new farm down on the Missouri River bottom towards Percival this year,” he said. “This is all new to me down there on that bottom ground. I was talking to neighbor…… Continue Reading

Broiler hatchery numbers were mixed but continue to point to higher production in 2025. The USDA says 250.128 million broiler-type eggs were set into incubation, falling 225,000 on the week, but rising 1% on the year, with average hatchability of 78.8%. 191.518 million broiler-type chicks were placed into meat production, 783,000 less than the previous…… Continue Reading