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.
- 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.
- Crystal Reed
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — This year’s Illinois Beef Expo at the Illinois State Fairgrounds had a new event — a fitting competition featuring seven teams of four people each returned this year.
- 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.
- By Jeff Young, Iowa Farmer Today
HARPER, Iowa — Dennis Clarahan is proud to be part of his family’s farming legacy.
- Benjamin Herrold
On his Angus cow-calf operation in southwest Missouri, Tanner Clark said he is always looking for ways to grow or improve.
- Tim Kenyon
Midwest cattle producers will soon converge at the 50th Iowa Beef Expo. The annual event is scheduled for Feb. 14-22 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
- By Morgan Kuntz-Garrison, For Lee Agri-Media
Precision agriculture is often associated with crop production while livestock production may seem to have remained a traditional industry with management practices more or less the same as they have been for the last century.
- 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.
In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding biological and genetic sources of variation in feed efficiency of growing cattle consuming energy-dense mixed diets during the post-weaning phase.
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.
- Crystal Reed
The Blunier farm in Forrest, Illinois, has been around for more than 100 years, adjusting as the ag climate shifts to keep their legacy alive.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
REMSEN, Iowa — Jeremy Ahlers grew up around hog production and said he can't imagine doing anything else.
- 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.