Top Stories
Farmers aggressively sold soybeans in 2025
U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade tensions eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and basis contracts fell. A new report from CoBank said off-farm grain storage hit record levels last fall, with farmers shifting more soybeans and wheat to commercial storage to free up on-farm space for the record corn harvest....
Agribusiness Association of Iowa to host 2026 Showcase
As Iowa agriculture continues to navigate market uncertainty, global competition, and ongoing policy debates, industry leaders will soon have an opportunity to step back and focus on the broader picture. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa’s annual Showcase and...
Strong opinions on proposed railroad merger
A proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is now before the Surface Transportation Board for possible approval. Mike Steenhoek, the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, called this a “seismic development” for the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-26)
Right now is the short timeframe in which the crops in both Brazil and Argentina are in the critical yield determining phase. As a result, the weather is a huge focal point for the global grain markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather forecast...
Latest outlook on soybean oil
While much of the focus in the USDA WASDE reports centers on row crops such as corn and soybeans, the reports also help provide a snapshot of the situation for various products such as soybean oil. The most recent WASDE report for January helps to detail the current...
Farmland values enter a new phase
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady...
Ernst says loan delays hurt Iowa growth
Farmers and rural businesses across Iowa are facing growing challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Tight margins, lower commodity prices, and rising input costs are colliding with loan processes that many lenders say have become increasingly difficult to...
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Analysis shows need for E15 for Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry
Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry faces continued decline without immediate approval of nationwide, year-round sales of E15 gasoline and access to ultra-low carbon fuel markets, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association....
Featured Conversation: ICGA on the carbon sequestration pipeline discussion
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa continue to draw attention as state leaders, farm organizations, and landowners weigh their potential economic and long-term impacts. Supporters point to market access and competitiveness for Iowa ethanol, while critics...
Top factors influencing meat demand in 2026
Despite consumers facing high prices for meat at the grocery store in 2025, demand for meat remained high throughout the year. Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, says 2026 could see spending concerns for consumers making an...
Feenstra working to make farming less dangerous and risky
Farming can be a risky and dangerous business. Taxes can provide obstacles for farmers who are passing land down to the next generation, and the high price of machinery can lead some farmers to operate with equipment that can’t protect them from rollovers. Iowa...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sets 2026 legislative priorities
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, announces its state policy priorities heading into the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. These policy priorities focus on protecting private property...
