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Senate farm bill stalls over SNAP dispute
The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance its Farm Bill Thursday after Democrats rejected the Republican proposal in a 10-11 vote, leaving the legislation without a clear path forward. Committee Chairman John Boozman recessed the markup after negotiations broke down over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Democrats insisted on a two-year delay before states begin sharing SNAP benefit costs, while Republicans offered a one-year delay. “I want us to get to a...
Russia-Ukraine war driving price movement in grain markets
The wheat complex has featured significant price movement to the upside in recent days, and world events are driving most of the gains in the marketplace. That’s according to Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net, who says that recent developments in the...
AFBF analyzes policy solutions for fertilizer challenges
The cost and availability of fertilizer are still relevant issues for many farmers this year. American Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discussed AFBF's new white paper aimed at addressing current volatility in the fertilizer market. The paper examined various...
Pork exports continue to build momentum
Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year's pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons....
Satellite technology gives farmers another perspective
Weather has always been one of agriculture's biggest wild cards, but today's farmers have more information than ever before to help them understand what is happening in their fields and around the world. Beyond the forecast on your phone or the rain gauge outside the...
Barn owls take the night shift to protect farms from rodents
Today, more farmers are taking advantage of barn owls for rodent control on their farms. Jennifer Ackerman, an ornithologist and author, discussed what makes barn owls so effective for pest management. She said that barn owls are excellent rodent hunters and a better...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-21-26)
Not much has changed in the weather patterns for Brazil and Argentina, as the conditions are still defined by a lack of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. While the dry weather normally allows...
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Multiple diseases threaten Iowa corn crop
Southern rust has now been confirmed in several Iowa counties, but crop experts say this year's situation looks much different than the widespread outbreak growers experienced in 2025. Even so, they caution that producers should continue scouting fields, as southern...
Consolidation trends in the U.S. nitrogen fertilizer industry
While geopolitical conflicts often take the balme for volatile nitrogen fertilizer prices, decades of deep industry consolidation- driven by natural gas costs- may be the true underlying factor. Henrique Monaco, a Ph.D. candidate in agricultural economics at the...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-24-26)
This week saw another mostly uneventful export sales report, but that is typical for this time of year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn markets are mostly done looking at the old crop sales and have instead shifted their focus to the shipment...
The new Agronomy Zone will be unveiled at 2026 Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show is one of the best environments in agriculture to learn about the newest equipment, technology, and innovative management practices. Each year the show rotates between host sites in Boone Iowa and Decatur Illinois and this year the show returns...
USB budget to sharpen focus, maximize returns
The United Soybean Board has approved a $122.5 million budget for fiscal year 2027, investing soybean checkoff dollars to expand markets and strengthen demand for U.S. soy. The farmer-led board says funding will support research, promotion, and education across food,...
