Top Stories
Beef supporters turned crisis into lasting impact
What started as an effort to recognize young livestock exhibitors during a canceled Iowa State Fair has grown into an organization that has raised $1.3 million in just a few years. The Iowa State Fair Beef Champions Supporters formed in 2020 after the COVID pandemic forced the cancellation of the Iowa State Fair. An alternative event was held for exhibitors, but Kevin Brooks with the organization says a group of supporters wanted to make sure young people who had already invested months of...
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...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-15-26)
As we end off a busy week of government reports, the weekly export sales came in with plenty of activity. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown of the weekly report. China has nearly completed its obligation to purchase U.S. soybeans, so the markets...
Video
More Ag News
House Ag Committee beginning farm bill markup this week
After another delay- this time due to the weather- the House Ag Committee will begin the markup process for the next farm bill. With so much outdated legislation, Congress has their work cut out for them to modernize the top ag policy. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra...
USMEF thanks corn and soybean farmers at Commodity Classic
Commodity Classic saw record attendance in San Antonio last week with more than 12,000 attendees representing the agriculture industry. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has been a longtime participant in the event’s trade show and had an expanded presence in...
Offering growers added flexibility and weather protection
Short stature corn hybrids have gained traction in recent years as an alternative to the traditional corn crop. The Preceon™ smart corn system from Bayer touts some unique benefits that improve on traditional corn. Lindsay Battle of Bayer tells the Iowa Agribusiness...
National Ethanol Conference celebrates a record 2025
Speaking at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Florida, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper celebrated a record year in 2025 for the industry. He also strongly urged Congress and the White House to fully unleash American ethanol to...
Iowa Corn details Corn Congress outcomes
The Iowa Corn Growers Association joined in this year’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress and wrapped up with several policy decisions finalized, and others sent back for additional review. ICGA President Mark Mueller says one late development involved a...
