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Boosting the farm economy by allowing whole milk in schools
New analysis from the American Farm Bureau shows a simple solution that could support the farm economy. For over a decade, schoolchildren have been prevented from purchasing whole or 2 percent milk in schools. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch said reversing that ban could be a benefit to kids and a positive step for improving the farm economy. Munch said school milk accounts for almost eight percent of fluid milk demand, so it’s a significant market driver. The benefits...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (10-16-25)
As the government shutdown persists, we still don’t have any official export numbers to look at. We can, however, look again at the weekly estimates. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are still projected to be well above the average. On the...
Falling oil prices should indicate cheaper fuel
For the past several weeks and even several months, oil prices have held fairly steady, remaining in the mid-$60 per barrel range. But, thanks to OPEC’s increased production, that trend is no more. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said banks...
Secretary Naig announces eight additional abandoned mine land reclamation projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is beginning construction on eight additional abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation projects in southeast Iowa. The eight projects, which represent...
From the mine below to the fields beyond
In our previous story on Nutrien’s Allan Facility, we heard how Environmental Engineer Curtis Ferguson and his team work to protect the land, air, and water surrounding one of Saskatchewan’s largest potash operations. Today, we delve beyond the surface to explore how...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-21-25)
The weather looks to be drying out for a good portion of South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. The weather has been cooperative for both corn and soybean planting progress to move along...
Iowa is a great home for USDA research projects
As the USDA looks into decentralizing from Washington, D.C., Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says some research projects should be moved to Ames, Iowa. With our state being a natural hub for agriculture, this change would be a great fit for what the USDA is looking...
The value of early planting soybeans
In recent growing seasons farmers have been planting soybeans earlier and experiencing for the most part higher yield potential. Researchers at the University of Illinois have been studying this management trend to test the value of early planting soybeans. Connor...
Optimism for the ethanol industry
The U.S. Grains and Global Bioproducts Council is holding its annual Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C.. At the summit, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor expressed optimism for the future of bioethanol, while highlighting the positive impact that pro-bioethanol...
Dairy processors warn of mounting trade strain
The global trade landscape is once again weighing heavily on American agriculture. Tariffs, retaliatory fees, and stalled negotiations with key trading partners have created fresh uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses alike. Export-dependent sectors are feeling...
