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Details from the USDA March Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the March Cattle on Feed Report on Friday March 20th and with the cattle industry in a pattern of low supply and continued high demand, the report can offer clues on the industry’s direction. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides the numbers of cattle in feedlots on March 1st. He notes that last year at this time is roughly when the effects of closing the Mexico border for feeder cattle imports due to New World Screwworm started to impact the numbers. McConnell says...
NCBA starts at the grassroots
Buck Wehrbein is the outgoing president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Wehrbein tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network that his year as president in 2025 went by in a flash. He says profitability for producers is in a great spot and is hopeful that the current...
Biofuel leaders want accelerated action on year-round E15
The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association released a statement regarding the lack of progress toward a legislative solution offering consumers permanent year-round E15 access. After reaching an impasse in January, House...
Iowa farmers need increased economic certainty
As concerns continue to rise regarding the possibility of year-round E15, farmers are still having to deal with heightened economic pressures. The increased demand from year-round E15 would go a long way in helping to alleviate much of that burden. Iowa Congressman...
More details released for USDA bridge payment program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the bridge assistance payment program for specialty crop growers. Up to $1 billion was set aside in December for specialty crop growers to receive financial help through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. John...
Ethanol industry cites oil industry profits as year-round E15 deal stalls
The ethanol industry says a handful of mid-sized oil refiners are the major hangup for year-round E15 legislation and are prioritizing profits over a deal which would allow access to E15 year-round. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says the six...
U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year, USDA says
The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to...
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Feenstra discusses plans to make Iowa “the most ag and business-friendly state”
It’s no secret that we are navigating an exceptionally difficult farm economy. Many farmers, particularly at the smaller level, are facing tough decisions on whether or not they can even operate for another year. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is running for...
Planted acres projections reflect cautious farm economy
USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. As crop farmers prepare to plant their corn, soybeans, or wheat in 2026, many are making decisions with the current farm economy in mind. Faith Parum, an economist for...
AI and precision technology gain momentum on U.S. dairy farms
Artificial intelligence and precision technology are playing a growing role on U.S. dairy farms as producers seek greater efficiency and ways to manage ongoing labor shortages. Dairy cooperatives and technology firms say AI-driven tools can track milk production,...
Fertilizer outlook for the 2026 growing season
In what could be a very early season for anhydrous rigs in the Midwest good news is scarce on the fertilizer front. That is according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, who has been keeping a close eye on the price of nitrogen during the winter...
Iowa livestock producers urged to plan ahead for fly season
As warmer weather approaches, livestock producers may be looking ahead to fly season and considering management strategies that go beyond simply treating adult flies. Many experts say early planning and integrated approaches can help reduce pressure before populations...
