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Farmers for Soil Health reopens enrollment for cover crop adoption
Farmers for Soil Health, the farmer-led initiative launched in 2022 to double cover crop acres on U.S. farmland by 2030, has reopened enrollment for 2026 with increased per-acre payments and a simplified one-year contract designed to remove barriers for growers. Enrollment is open May 1 through Aug. 31. "Cover crops aren't just good for the soil - they're good for the bottom line," said Jim Douglas, farmer advisor for Farmers for Soil Health and a soybean and corn grower from Flat Rock,...
Tree planting connects youth to America 250
A tree planting at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is one of many events planned this year as part of the America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, who also serves as vice chair of Iowa’s America 250 commission,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-23-26)
This week’s export sales were better than what we’ve seen recently, but it was otherwise a muted report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were strong once again. While the soybeans sales weren’t outstanding, McBride said they were above the...
Input costs aren’t dropping alongside inflation
General inflation has cooled off from the high points in recent years, but input costs are not following suit. Dr. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, and he said farm input prices don’t always follow inflation up or down....
Funding now available through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative
Funding is now available for research and development in specialty crop agriculture through a USDA support program. National Institute of Food and Agriculture Associate Director Rachel Melnick says there is more funding available compared to last year. Melnick...
ICGA applauds year-round E15 amendment inclusion in House farm bill
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) has advocated for year-round, nationwide E15 for more than 15 years—a goal that remains a top priority as farm families face tightening margins and market volatility. With the recent introduction of an amendment to the House...
New export markets boost Iowa agriculture
As the U.S. works to expand agricultural trade, USDA officials say diversifying export markets is becoming more important for long-term stability. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says relying too heavily on one major buyer...
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Farm Bureau applauds House passage of 2026 farm bill
After several months of work and negotiation, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the farm bill, with a bipartisan vote. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-30-26)
This week’s export sales continued the recent trends we have seen. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales had another strong report. The soybean sales, however, were disappointing once again. Additionally, there have been no flash sales since last...
Demand for soy oil driving price to the upside
When petroleum diesel prices rise, renewable diesel and biodiesel become more competitive. As the crude oil price has climbed in the weeks since the beginning of the war in Iran, soy oil prices have followed suit. However, it’s not just the war that is causing price...
Farmers face another year of tight margins
U.S. farmers are entering another growing season with tight profit margins as lower crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty weigh on the outlook for 2026. Corn and soybean prices remain below levels seen during recent highs, while expenses for...
Prop 12 repeal rides with Farm Bill to House floor
As the House prepares to take up the Farm Bill this week, pork producers are watching closely to see if Congress will finally address California’s Proposition 12. The National Pork Producers Council has made repeal of Prop 12 one of its top priorities, and Todd...
