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Secretary Naig announces more than $2 million for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board has approved more than $2 million in cost-share grants for 38 E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects across Iowa. The grants, approved during the Board's July 29 meeting, include 24 ethanol projects totaling more than $1.43 million and 14 biodiesel projects totaling more than $604,000, for a combined investment of more than $2.03 million. The grants will help Iowa fuel...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
Feenstra talks farm economy investments from Trump tax cuts
There’s been discussion recently about potential farm economy investments that could result from some tax cuts made by President Trump. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said he’s advocating for benefits like new export markets, among other changes. Feenstra said new...
China proposes a tariff-drop swap with Canada
The Chinese Ambassador recently told a Canadian national television audience that his country is willing to remove its tariffs on Canada’s pork products, seafood, and, by far the largest of the categories, canola oil, seed, and meal if Canada drops its 100 percent...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
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...
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More Ag News
Fertility management takes priority as margins tighten
Farmers heading into the next growing season are facing a familiar challenge. Input costs remain elevated, margins are tight, and uncertainty in the broader economy continues to weigh on nearly every decision made on the farm. In an environment like this, agronomists...
Syngenta’s PLINAZOLIN technology receives EPA registration
Syngenta recently announced that PLINAZOLIN technology- the latest insect control tool- received official registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The technology is now available for use, subject to state approvals. PLINAZOLIN technology powers...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-16-25)
As the markets start to focus more on the weather in South America, farmers are just finishing planting the next crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there is a good amount of dryness in the forecast for Brazil. McBride said the conditions are similar...
Grassley discusses hurdles to farm labor reform efforts
Farm labor reform remains one of the big topics in the agricultural sector but that doesn’t mean that changes to the system will come easily. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Tuesday if he will be involved in any efforts to reform the H-2A...
2025 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance awards
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) celebrated four outstanding Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) award recipients during the 2025 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention, held Tuesday, December 16, at the Prairie Meadows Convention Center. The awards ceremony recognized cattle...
