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February WASDE report was as uneventful as expected
After experiencing a very surprising January WASDE report, this month’s report was as quiet as expected. Overall, there really wasn’t much for the markets to react to. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of this month’s report. The report was so uneventful that the markets have already moved on from it. This makes sense, as McBride said there shouldn’t be any changes between now and the Prospective Plantings report at the end of March. With President Trump also recently...
Ethanol production drops from a record high
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol output dropped during the seven days ending on January 15. Production of the biofuel fell to an average of 1.119 million barrels a day, down from 1.196 million barrels the previous week, which was the highest level...
New technology allows for collection and direct application of pollen
Earlier this month, PowerPollen and Oxbo announced the first mechanized pollination solution for corn seed production. As we head into the 2026 growing season, this will allow seed companies to directly purchase, integrate, and scale the system. Jason Cope, co-founder...
Iowa farmers press E15 message as President Trump visits
As President Trump visits the Des Moines metro today with a focus on energy, the economy, and affordability, Iowa agriculture leaders are watching closely. While the visit brings renewed attention to biofuels, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the message from...
Weather may be more impactful than Cattle on Feed report
Last week’s Cattle on Feed Report didn’t appear to be a market mover. Kyle Bumsted, a livestock market analyst from Allendale, said the report had a very neutral tone. Bumsted said there were signs of early heifer retention late last year, but that doesn’t appear to...
Economic issues impact small communities the hardest
Declining farm income, reduced equipment sales, rising inventory and financing pressures, and trade uncertainty all create ripple effects that impact farmers and the communities they are a part of. A recent hearing with the Senate Committee on Small Business and...
U.S. beef attracts global interest at Gulfood show
With support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is promoting U.S. beef at Gulfood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food trade shows, attracting prospective buyers not only...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (1-29-26)
This week’s export sales report brings us to an interesting situation- now that the numbers are aligned with the USDA’s export goals, there isn’t much news to react to. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this was another great week for corn sales. McBride...
Young farmers and ranchers have a unique leadership opportunity
Young farmers and ranchers should mark their calendars for March 13–16 for the upcoming Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference. Bev Flatt, a Tennessee farmer and member of the American Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee, said attendees will have a lot to look...
Trump defends tariffs in Iowa speech
President Trump was in Iowa on Tuesday to deliver a speech, campaigning to hold onto the House and Senate in the midterm elections. President Trump pushed back against critics of his tariff policies in front of an Iowa audience including many farmers. Trump says his...
Groups applaud president’s call for year-round E15
The Renewable Fuels Association applauded President Trump for strongly reaffirming his support for America’s ethanol industry. During a stop in Des Moines, Iowa, he called on Congress to send a bill approving year-round E15 to his desk “very quickly.” Trump said he...
Winter no longer a break as HPAI resurfaces in Iowa
Winter weather typically gives Iowa poultry producers some relief from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, but this season continues to challenge that expectation. Iowa has confirmed a new HPAI detection in Kossuth County involving pheasant production, a reminder that...
