Top Stories
Timely rains continue to benefit Iowa crops
The luck of Iowa’s farmers continues as timely rains have cycled through much of the state. As the Pro Farmer Crop Tour goes across the state, many analysts are predicting a hefty crop. Landus Cooperative Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund said the rain has been excellent for the corn and soybeans, but it has also brought a bit of Southern Rust with it. Bjorklund said Southern Rust has been detected all the way up in North Central Iowa at this point. While disease issues aren’t as big of a...
USDA sets new research priorities for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water...
Could a coast to coast railroad help or hurt agriculture?
A major shakeup could be coming to the U.S. railroad network, and agriculture is keeping a close eye on it. Union Pacific is working on a deal to acquire Norfolk Southern. If it goes through, it will create the first true coast-to-coast rail system in the country. The...
Highlighting major economic factors to observe in 2026
The U.S. macroeconomy is influencing agriculture input costs, commodity price trends, and supply and demand fundamentals. Matt Erickson, senior analyst at Terrain, said inflation, tariffs, and interest rates will be major factors to keep an eye on in 2026. Erickson...
What to expect in the January WASDE report
The January USDA WASDE report will be released on Monday January 12th and while we don’t know what changes will be made, if there are changes, they could move the ag marketplace. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net says that if we get a January WASDE report similar to 2025...
Beef prices expected to keep rising in 2026
Beef prices are expected to continue climbing in the coming year as tight cattle supplies in the United States and abroad strain the global market, analysts said. U.S. cattle inventories remain near multi-decade lows following years of drought that forced ranchers to...
Applications open for AFBF Women’s Communications Boot Camp
Farm Bureau women interested in growing their communications skills can now apply for Communications Boot Camp. The spring session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp is April 20-23, 2026. Shawn Wood, an Arizona farmer and member...
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More Ag News
Iowa farmers need increased economic certainty
As concerns continue to rise regarding the possibility of year-round E15, farmers are still having to deal with heightened economic pressures. The increased demand from year-round E15 would go a long way in helping to alleviate much of that burden. Iowa Congressman...
More details released for USDA bridge payment program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the bridge assistance payment program for specialty crop growers. Up to $1 billion was set aside in December for specialty crop growers to receive financial help through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. John...
Ethanol industry cites oil industry profits as year-round E15 deal stalls
The ethanol industry says a handful of mid-sized oil refiners are the major hangup for year-round E15 legislation and are prioritizing profits over a deal which would allow access to E15 year-round. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says the six...
U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year, USDA says
The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to...
Strong protein demand meets ongoing producer challenges
Growing consumer interest in protein-rich diets is helping drive optimism across the livestock industry, even as producers continue to manage risk and long-term investment decisions. Marshall Hansen, Senior Vice President of Corporate Proteins with Farm Credit...
