AMES, Iowa — Questions about effective management of nitrogen fertilizer continue to plague agriculture, even after decades of practical use.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Jason Franken, associate professor of agricultural economics and management at the University of Missouri, for the farmdoc daily website March 30.
AMES, Iowa — Questions about effective management of nitrogen fertilizer continue to plague agriculture, even after decades of practical use.
- Benjamin Herrold
The pork industry has seen a long climb in the average number of pigs saved per litter, and recent months have seen the growth rate increase.
- Benjamin Herrold
University researchers continue to study virtual fence in different grazing systems, and some farmers and ranchers are beginning to use the technology.
- Crystal Reed
Agricultural producers in the United States continue to rely heavily on farmworkers, especially for labor intensive commodities in the fruit, vegetable sectors.
- Benjamin Herrold
Beef production in 2026 will be a key factor driving cattle prices this year, and University of Florida Extension Beef and Forage Economist Hannah Baker said several factors will determine production.
Kidding and lambing season is coming, and there are steps that owners should take to ensure their herd or flock is prepared.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
The combination of record calf prices and a short supply of grass has likely translated to less interest in backgrounding calves.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
DES MOINES, Iowa — Bill Goehring has bought and sold cattle at the Iowa Beef Expo for many years, and one of those purchases paid a big dividend recently. The southeast Iowa producer sold the top-selling Hereford bull at this year’s annual event.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Jameson Brennan, assistant professor and South Dakota State University Extension livestock grazing specialist, with Logan Vandermark and Hector Menendez for the university’s website Feb. 13.
Consumers’ demand for beef — not just shrinking cattle numbers — is playing a central role in shaping prices and profitability across the U.S. beef supply chain, according to research from Kansas State University agricultural economists.
- Crystal Reed
Genetics and breeding is a long game, and you have to see things to the end.
- Crystal Reed
For the last two years, the dairy industry has been in a relatively good place. However, a downswing in the last half of 2025 is expected to continue into 2026.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Haymaking is a game of threes, University of Missouri Extension Forage Specialist Carson Roberts said.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Russ Euken, Iowa State University Extension beef and swine field specialist.
- Crystal Reed
The Iowa Pork Producers Association elected Dean Frazer of Conrad, Iowa, the next president of the association during the organization’s 2026 Annual Meeting held Jan. 20 in Des Moines.
- Benjamin Herrold
The annual cattle inventory report and the monthly cattle on feed report, both released in late January, provided a look at national cattle numbers and trends.
- Crystal Reed
Cows in good body condition can handle short-term increases in energy requirements, like this past weekend’s frigid temperatures and blizzard.
- Crystal Reed
Beth and Brad Dorsey of Homeland Farms in Moro, Illinois, both grew up on dairy farms that slowly converted to beef operations in the early to mid-1990s.
- Benjamin Herrold
Delayed import and export data continues to roll in, affecting the cattle industry. Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist Derrell Peel says beef imports have been in the news recently.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension specialists are working with the swine industry and temporary visa holders to help recruit, retain and develop agriculture professionals needed to address ongoing farm labor shortages, according to a university news release.
- Benjamin Herrold
Pig farmers could see tighter profit margins in 2026, which might limit breeding herd expansion.
- Crystal Reed
From grass-fed to grain-finished, organic, pasture-finished and natural, there are many ways to raise and buy beef in niche markets.
- Tim Kenyon
DES MOINES — Iowa Pork Producer Association members get to pick from varied activities at the upcoming 53rd annual Iowa Pork Congress at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Jan. 20-22.
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