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Naig highlights Iowa results as E15 access grows
As questions continue in Washington about the future of year-round E15, Iowa leaders say the state is already seeing what expanded access can do. From more fuel choices at the pump to stronger demand for corn, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa’s experience is offering a real-world example of how higher ethanol blends can benefit both consumers and agriculture. Back in 2022, Iowa lawmakers approved an E15 access standard designed to expand availability across the state. Naig...
E15 legislation fix remains a priority issue for Midwest lawmakers
Midwest lawmakers made a strong push to include a legislative fix for year-round E15 sales to be included in the government funding bill, only for the House to drop E15 from the House appropriations bill at the last minute. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)...
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...
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Farmers need to think long-term when making planning decisions
Farming decisions this year can have a big effect for several seasons to come. Todd McRoberts, the Corn Technical Product Lead for Syngenta Corn Traits, said planning ahead is more important now than ever. When it comes to planning ahead, McRoberts said you have to...
November pork and beef export below year-ago levels
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest...
Phil’s forecast and possible ag implications
For those of us in the Midwest and eastern states, Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day forecast comes as no surprise with the famous groundhog calling for six more weeks of winter. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey who says that Phil’s forecast lines up with the...
Farmers aggressively sold soybeans in 2025
U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade tensions eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and...
USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of...
