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Iowa livestock producers should be tracking NWS cases
Recently, New World Screwworm (NWS) was officially confirmed in the U.S. after it made its way closer to the border through Mexico. Now that it is in the U.S. cattle herd, we have also seen our first case of NWS in a different mammal- a dog in Lea County, New Mexico. This is not a surprise, as NWS is not picky, but it proves that all animal owners need to be cautious of this pest. Dr. Lisa Becton, associate director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), said tracking and monitoring...
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...
High diesel prices bite into Food Bank of Iowa’s budget
Gas prices have hit the highest level in four years, and with no end to the Iran war in sight, the impacts of these elevated prices will be felt for the foreseeable future. Diesel prices in particular have increased even more quickly, surging up 45% since the...
House farm bill and E15 legislation survives stall over debate rule
The quest to pass a new farm bill with legislation for year-round E15 hit another temporary roadblock on Wednesday in the U.S. House. Several Republicans joined the Democrats to initially deny the simple majority to bring up the farm bill, year-round E15, and several...
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More Ag News
Tracking fertilizer costs since the beginning of the conflict in Iran
Fertilizer prices have climbed sharply following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, raising concerns about higher production costs for U.S. farmers in the years ahead. Analysts say nitrogen fertilizers have seen the largest increases due to disruptions tied to...
E15 fight reaches critical moment in Congress
The push for nationwide year-round E15 could soon clear one of its biggest hurdles yet as the U.S. House prepares to vote on standalone legislation next week that would permanently allow the fuel blend to be sold through the summer driving season nationwide. Growth...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-7-26)
Once again the corn sales were strong this week, and the soybean sales were disappointing. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest U.S. Export Sales Report. Even with the strong corn exports, McBride said the USDA will likely have to make...
Students need career development skills on top of classroom education
Employers today aren’t just looking for diplomas- they want people who can think creatively, lead teams, and solve problems in new and innovative ways. On top of earning an agriculture degree, students at Iowa State University can use the Pathways Program to gain...
Farmers already expect higher breakeven prices in 2027
The Purdue University/CME Group's Ag Economy Barometer declined in April as economic uncertainty caused a dip in farmer optimism for the future of their operations. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, says that corn...
