June meat export data positive for both pork and beef

IARN — U.S. pork exports concluded an excellent first half with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pushing first-half export value to nearly $5 billion. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that, while the growth in pork sales is led by Mexico, a number of regions are contributing to the strong exports. Read more


U.S. Wheat still poised to be ready to meet global demands in 2023

IARN — We don’t spend a great amount of time discussing wheat, because there isn’t a whole lot of it in Iowa when you compare it to the number of acres of corn and soybeans. However, it is still one of the major commodities in the world as we look at its global demand. It certainly has been in the news a lot with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and droughts in India and Australia; the demand for wheat is going to need a steady supply. Read more


How is the harvest forecast shaping up?

IARN — As we sit here on a Friday, we are looking forward to a cool down into the upper 80s for the weekend. That has gotten many concerned about the damage this recent heat snap could have done to crops and livestock alike. It also begs the question as to what we can expect in the future. Harvest season is a precarious time, because no matter what the crop tours and USDA estimates say, nothing counts until it is in the bin, and dry plants are susceptible to weather damage. Read more