Top Stories
Harvest Relief Program is a good first step, but there’s still work to do
While farmers do need and appreciate the help provided by the Harvest Fuel Relief program, a long-term solution is still needed to protect the nation’s ag industry. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said a comprehensive farm bill would go a long way in supporting farmers of every age across the country. Lawmakers will have a full agenda when they come back after the midterm elections. For the ag industry, the farm bill, year-round E15, and another bridge assistance package are top...
Fall migration raises concerns over HPAI
As fall migration continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging livestock and poultry producers to stay vigilant against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). New detections continue to surface in both poultry and dairy operations. Officials say...
The impact of U.S. farmers and ranchers on USDA trade missions
United States agricultural groups are frequently engaged in trade missions and visits to international markets in the hopes of strengthening and expanding relationships and trade to overseas markets. A common theme from those visits to international markets is that...
Secretary Naig invites community meat lockers to apply for Choose Iowa butchery equipment grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today invited small-scale meat processors and custom lockers to apply for a Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 of state funding to purchase cold storage, meat...
Global fertilizer disruptions raise concerns for Iowa farmers
As Iowa farmers prepare for fall fertilizer applications, questions about supplies and prices are becoming increasingly important. Continued conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fertilizer markets, while trade uncertainty between the United States and...
USDA surprises markets yet again in October WASDE
Once again, the USDA went against expectations for the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. The major surprise in the October WASDE was the increase of the corn yield by 2.7 bushels per acre to 181.2 bpa, which raised production...
Ethanol exports on track to hit another record
Ethanol exports are on track to set another record according to USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg. Lindberg says that new and expanded overseas markets are increasing foreign demand and driving a likely third record year of...
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NFU welcomes federal inquiry into ag equipment market
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is welcoming a new USDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiry into competition concerns in the agricultural equipment market. NFU President Rob Larew said farmers have been raising concerns about consolidation and limited...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-14-26)
As harvest continues in the United States, farmers in Brazil and Argentina are planting for the next crop season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. McBride said planting progress in Brazil is...
Soybean checkoff looks ahead after 35 years
With tight margins continuing to squeeze farm budgets, soybean producers are scrutinizing every dollar they spend. That includes their investments in the soybean checkoff, which has spent the past 35 years developing markets and creating additional demand for American...
Harvest pace per USDA Mid-October progress report
Despite the slower than usual pace of harvest for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt, including Iowa, other regions of the country have made substantial progress. How are major row crops coming along with their harvest progress as October approaches its midway point?...
EPA Proposes restoring biofuel volumes exempted from refinery requirements
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday a proposal to restore renewable fuel blending requirements affected by additional small refinery exemptions, a move intended to protect demand for American corn and soybeans. The EPA said exemptions granted for 2025...
