October

Swine Industry Scales Back, Breeding Herd Down 3%

Fall Crop Outlook

What is a Recession and is Iowa in One?

September
August
July
June
May
April 
March 
February 
January

MCOOL Webcast by ISU (9/09/08)
ISU Extension explains the requirements how to comply with the rules of mandatory country of origin labeling. This webcast, broadcast on Aug 25, is now aarchived and vailable for viewing online. A brief outlook for feed grain, cattle, and swine is also available.

Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (8/12/08)
Reference links for the upcoming enforcement date of Sept. 30
--AMS COOL website
--USDA notice
--Federal Register
--MCOOL Interim Final Rule

AAEA Extension Section Annual Outlook Survey
(8/11/08)  Annual survey of agricultural economists professionals summarizing their market expectations for the remainer of 2008 and through 2009. This survey, compiled by Ron Plain and David Miller, was presented at the American Agricultural Economics Association in July. On the average, meat production will be up for all of 2008 but then lower in 2009.

October 10th Crop Outlook (10/10/08)
The latest USDA update to the WASDE and Crop Production reports was released on Oct. 10th. The October estimates from USDA showed increased corn and soybean production of 1 to 2 percent.  The corn increase was driven by an increase in yields, up 1.7 bushels to 154 bushels per acre national average.  The soybean increase was driven by a jump in acreage, with harvested area increasing by 2.15 million acres.  The national soybean yield estimate was lowered to 39.5 bushels per acre, but the increase in area was more than enough to offset the yield drop.  For corn, the 2008 crop is shaping up to be the 2nd largest crop in terms of yield and production.  The soybean crop is still on target to be the 4th largest on record.