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USDA sets April loan rates as farmers weigh borrowing costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced updated loan interest rates for April, offering a key benchmark for producers making financing decisions ahead of the planting season. Operating loans are set at 4.75%, while farm ownership loans will carry a 5.75% interest rate. The rates reflect broader trends in credit markets as borrowing costs remain elevated compared with recent years. Farmers often rely on USDA-backed loans to cover expenses such as seed, equipment and land purchases....
Iowa Corn details Corn Congress outcomes
The Iowa Corn Growers Association joined in this year’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress and wrapped up with several policy decisions finalized, and others sent back for additional review. ICGA President Mark Mueller says one late development involved a...
BASF introduces new low carbon intensity crops
With current proposed 45Z tax credit framework, common agricultural practices like cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management may impact the carbon intensity (CI) of the crops that are raised as feedstock. However, inconsistent data collection methods,...
USDA Secretary Rollins provides update on U.S.-Mexico border closure
On Thursday at the Commodity Classic farm show in San Antonio Texas, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins provided an update on the U.S.-Mexico border which remains closed for the importation of cattle from Mexico. Feeder cattle from Mexico remain unable to cross the border...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-27-26)
For as good as the export sales have been recently- especially for this time of year- they were bound to have a down week eventually. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn export sales were weaker this time around. Soybeans saw lower sales as well, but...
Farm incomes drop despite abundant harvests
Farm incomes generally decreased across the Federal Reserve Bank’s Ninth District. That’s according to lenders responding to the fourth quarter Ag Credit Survey by the Minneapolis Fed. Lenders also reported that purchases of capital inputs fell, though farm household...
Iowa Corn pushes farmer voice on tariffs
The Iowa Corn Growers Association took a focused set of priorities to this year’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress, with trade policy, nitrogen tools, and access to clean fuel tax credits topping the list. ICGA President Mark Mueller says the...
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Iowa Soybean Association conducts industry-leading on-farm research
In order to continue to develop the soybean industry, it’s important to focus on more than just the bushels that make it through the combine. Without research, many of the latest ag developments simply wouldn’t exist. Aaron Putze, chief officer of brand management and...
USDA sets spring crop insurance prices
As spring planting gears up across the country, the Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency has determined crop insurance prices for 2026. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, has details on three major crops. Parum said these...
Significant drought coverage in ag production areas
Although planting season is just a few weeks away, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant drought coverage in ag production regions of the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the situation for the major corn and soybean growing regions of...
House Ag Committee advances farm bill
The House Agriculture Committee advanced a Republican-led farm bill 34-17 in a vote early on Thursday. While the markup was slowed by partisan fighting about the package, the legislation was approved with the backing of seven Democrats. Politico said that the bill is...
Loveland tools help Iowa farmers maximize crop protection
Farmers are constantly working to stay ahead of weeds, disease pressure, and early-season pest challenges. Getting the most performance from crop protection applications can make a significant difference in protecting yield potential, especially when weather and...
