Top Stories
Southern Rust has been detected again in Iowa
Last year, Southern Rust made a late appearance in corn fields across Iowa and wreaked havoc on yields. Yesterday, Southern Rust was officially confirmed in a few Iowa counties, which is particularly alarming considering the similar timing to last year's problems. However, farmers learned many lessons last year that will help in managing the disease this year. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said he had a good idea a couple weeks ago that Southern Rust was making its...
U.S. headed toward record ag trade deficit
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is widening in 2025, driven by shifting global trade dynamics and rising import demand. USDA’s Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report provides projections for exports and imports, offering insight into current trade trends. From...
U.S. pork featured in new convenience snacks in Mexico
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) staff in Mexico have worked alongside processors and convenience store chains to develop new snack items featuring U.S. pork designed to be consumed at sporting events, music festivals, and even on flights. USMEF Mexico Trade...
Oil prices facing extreme volatility following U.S. bombings in Iran
On Saturday, President Trump had the U.S. military launch a series of coordinated bombings against three nuclear facilities in Iran. With this major escalation, Iran’s government is now deciding how to respond, and they have already issued a warning of “dangerous...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 1)
Back in May, I spoke with Dr. Ashley Johnson, Director of Food Policy for the National Pork Producers Council, during a visit to Washington, D.C., about the importance of maintaining science-based dietary guidelines. During that conversation, she acknowledged the...
Blast furnace-like conditions will scorch Iowa this weekend
The entire state of Iowa is in a heat advisory for this weekend- and if you’re in western Iowa, the heat is going to be so extreme that going outside will be ill-advised. Apparently, Mother Nature wanted to kick off summer by turning up the heat lamp all the way to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-20-25)
While it was overshadowed last week, this week’s export sales were able to enter the markets with some positive news. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn sales. Soybean sales were more interesting, as the new crop side is behind...
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More Ag News
Ag trade deficit hit another record high in July
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit widened further in July, highlighting the challenge facing President Donald Trump as he vows to reverse the trend. Agricultural exports lagged imports by $4.97 billion in July, a gap 9% wider than a year earlier and the largest on...
Grassley warns trade stalemate hurts U.S. farmers
The Trump Administration’s approach to trade has led to prolonged uncertainty in agricultural markets, leaving farmers to contend with tighter margins and unsettled outlooks. While the intent has been to secure better terms for the United States, many of the disputes...
Raising awareness of food insecurity this Hunger Action Month
Food insecurity continues to grow in Iowa, especially in rural areas. Every single county in Iowa is experiencing heightened food insecurity- in fact, 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children don’t know where or when they will get their next meal. But if we can all work...
Golden Harvest delivering trait choices that Iowa growers need
The Golden Harvest line-up of corn is continuing to find new ways to innovate in the push for higher yields, protection from disease, and trait choices that growers want. Rex Gray is a product manager with Golden Harvest and says the Syngenta brand has been investing...
Second MAHA report listens to ag industry
The Make America Healthy Commission released its “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy,” with more than 120 initiatives addressing childhood health. Brian Glenn, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Affairs, was encouraged that the Commission...
