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U.S. ethanol exports slip to start the year
U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry reports and federal trade data. Analysts say shipments remain historically strong but can fluctuate month-to-month as international fuel markets adjust. The United States is the world’s largest ethanol producer and a major exporter...
RMA to host crop insurance workshop for specialty crops, organics
Farmers in Iowa can attend a USDA's Risk Management Agency workshop to learn more about crop insurance options, including those designed for agricultural producers who grow specialty and organic crops. RMA will host the free in-person workshops Tuesday, January 24, in...
Cold winter has given way to unseasonable warmth
Now is a slow time of year for the U.S. Drought Monitor. With January being the coldest month in Iowa, the soil profiles are usually too frozen to allow any moisture in. However, with these unseasonably warm temperatures we?ve been experiencing, there?s actually been...
Getting started in agriculture no easy task for young farmers
With high input costs and rising interest rates, farming can be difficult to navigate for even seasoned farmers and ranchers. But what about someone who is trying to break into the agriculture industry?Getting started in farming is no easy task. Input costs are high...
U.S. bison industry pursuing market opportunities in Japan
U.S. bison is seeking access to the Japanese market, and importers in Japan are eager for the product. National Bison Association Executive Director Jim Matheson said the bison industry recently had an opportunity to make their case to Japanese officials in a visit to...
Mike Naig sworn-in for second term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan 13, 2023) ? Mike Naig was sworn-in for his second full term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture today during a formal public ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen administered the oath...
Not too soon to think about spring deworming options
We all know the saying, ?proper planning prevents poor performance.? That line can be applied to many areas of farming and livestock production. Dr. Dan Cummings is a professional services veterinarian with Boehringer-Ingelheim and he says that taking the time now to...
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More Ag News
Taking yields back from tar spot
Tar spot comes back every year to pester farmers across the country, and, while the severity is variable throughout the U.S., it is critical for farmers to have a plan to combat it. This year, six of the twelve Corn Belt states have observed tar spot. Adam Theis, U.S....
Demand and value of farmland remains strong
Farmland values and demand remain strong. Farmland values across the country climbed this year and hit record levels despite challenges like rising interest rates and extreme weather according to recently released data from the federal government. The USDA’s annual...
Barge freight rates climb on lower water levels
The cost of transporting harvested commodities down the Mississippi River is climbing. The rates are rapidly rising as shrinking water levels drive barge freight rates higher. The forecast calling for below-average rainfall isn’t offering any relief. Bloomberg says...
Did the Hurricane Idalia help the ag situation in the southeast?
When you get the chance to chat with some of your fellow farm broadcasters at one time or another, you always learn a little something that is happening in their neck of the woods. It always helps to put all the pieces together in our outlook for how the year is going...
AFB says WTO needed to rule against China ag tariffs
An American Farm Bureau official says even if it is tough getting China to comply with a WTO ruling against its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports five years ago, it was the right decision. AFBF Trade Advisor Dave Salmonsen says whether or not China complies, it’s...
