Top Stories
As profit margins tighten, debt management is critical
As tighter margins pressure farm finances, lenders are seeing producers rely more heavily on borrowed capital to cover operating expenses. At the same time, higher interest rates are increasing the cost of carrying that debt. Chad Gent, senior vice president of retail credit with Farm Credit Services of America, said that is making cash flow management increasingly important. Gent said the impact of higher interest rates varies widely among operations, depending on their financial position and...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-20-26)
As the future for U.S. grain demand looks uncertain, the success of the crops in South America could cause some heavy competition in the marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Teddy Tarvis said the weather in South America is still looking like it will be cooperative...
Grassley discusses path for farm bill passage before end of the year
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told the media in recent weeks that he intends to pass the GOP farm bill before the end of the year, even if it must be attached to other legislation. During his weekly ag conference call on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was...
Producer led domestic marketing advisory committee strengthens demand
The National Pork Board (NPB) recently formed six producer-led advisory committees tied to its strategic plan. The Domestic Marketing Advisory Committee helps strategize market growth across channel partners in foodservice, retail, packers and processors. In addition,...
Grain quality problems can become safety emergencies
As harvest continues across Iowa, farmers are working to get this year's crop out of the fields and into storage. But getting grain into the bin is only part of the job. Maintaining proper storage conditions is essential to protecting grain quality and preventing...
Pioneer announces partnership with country music star to address rural mental health
Over the past year, Pioneer has celebrated a century of providing seed products to farmers and helping them grow and prosper. As they kick off the 101st year as a brand, they are now trying to maintain that support for generations to come. Liz Knutson, Pioneer agency...
Higher diesel costs can change the best grain delivery choice
Higher diesel prices may prompt farmers to rethink where they deliver grain, even when a buyer farther away offers a higher price. The Soy Transportation Coalition offers an online calculator to help producers compare delivery options by weighing grain prices against...
Video
More Ag News
Trump administration announces $1.34B investment in domestic fertilizer production
Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced eight fertilizer manufacturing projects that will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-22-26)
A mixed export sales report continued the recent trends we have seen for corn and soybean demand. Allendale commodity broker Teddy Tarvis said the corn sales were disappointing again. On the other hand, Tarvis said the soybean sales were very strong again this week,...
Pumpkin popularity from producer and consumer perspective
At this time of year, you are hard pressed to visit a retail store that doesn’t have pumpkins available for purchase. Pumpkin patches have also become extremely popular weekend destinations for people to visit for entertainment and family fun and to pick out a pumpkin...
Diesel aid could drive farm payments to record levels
USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program could push government payments to farmers to a record $55.4 billion in 2026. According to Progressive Farmer, that’s if the estimated $8 billion in diesel assistance is distributed before year’s end. That would surpass the...
Farmers reaching limits of fertilizer efficiency
Farmers are being asked to do more with less, especially with fertilizer. With input costs remaining a concern and profit margins already stretched thin, producers are looking for every possible way to save money. But there is a limit to how much you can cut before...
