Top Stories
Shrinking barge fleet could threaten U.S. grain exports
A shrinking barge fleet and rising replacement costs could threaten U.S. grain exports and put more pressure on farm profitability. This is according to a new report from CoBank. The U.S. inland barge fleet has declined nearly 7.6% over the past decade to 19,668 vessels. Meanwhile, the average barge age has increased to 17.6 years. CoBank says 500 to 1,000 barges are retired annually, compared with about 410 new vessels built each year. Replacement costs are also climbing, with a new grain...
Boozman optimistic about Farm Bill passage
Efforts to pass a new Farm Bill before the end of the year may be gaining momentum. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says congressional leaders are making progress in negotiations, but the window to reach an agreement is narrowing. Boozman says...
Looking back at the rainy 2026 growing season
Today brought the beautiful weather back to the state of Iowa, but as we all know, that hasn’t been the story for this past growing season. Overall harvest progress is still slightly behind due to heavy rains at the beginning of harvest season, and almost nonstop...
Fungicides bring more to the table than just disease control
Fungicides have become a key part of grower’s management plans as farmers continue to observe the benefits of applying fungicide throughout the growing season. Tyler Harp is a technical product lead for row crop fungicide with Syngenta and he says that fungicide...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to receive prestigious USMEF award
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been selected to receive one of the highest honors from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Governor Reynolds will receive the Michael J. Mansfield Award, and Steve Isaf- founder, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Interra...
Soybean prices face pressure despite strong export demand
U.S. soybean farmers are facing continued price pressure as record production prospects and competition from Brazil outweigh signs of stronger demand. Farm Futures reports soybean futures fell nearly 6% during October, their worst monthly performance of 2026. USDA...
Naig outlines Iowa agriculture priorities after election
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is preparing for another four years in office following his reelection, but the political landscape around him will look considerably different. With Governor-elect Rob Sand preparing to take office and five of Iowa's six...
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More Ag News
Bringing a corn-level of weed control to soybeans
New herbicide technologies are a light at the end of the tunnel for growers who battle tough to control weeds every day. They offer the hope of better weed control and a stronger residual to give farmers an improved weed control system. Metrona MTZ is a new soybean...
Corn growers urge congress to pass E15 and farm bill legislation
The National Corn Growers Association is urging Congress to move quickly on legislation supporting year-round E15 sales and a new farm bill as lawmakers return to Washington following last week's midterm elections. NCGA President Matt Frostic, a Michigan farmer, says...
Export demand is still a concern following November WASDE report
There’s plenty of green on the grain market screen as the corn and soybeans react to the November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report today, but the USDA will still likely have to make some significant adjustments in future reports to keep...
World Food Prize focusing on driving future ag innovation
As the World Food Prize celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the organization is focusing on the future by highlighting new technologies and scientific breakthroughs that could help feed a growing population. Through the Innovate for Impact program, the World...
Boozman optimistic about Farm Bill passage
Efforts to pass a new Farm Bill before the end of the year may be gaining momentum. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says congressional leaders are making progress in negotiations, but the window to reach an agreement is narrowing. Boozman says...
