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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, says the effort includes a wide range of activities across the state, from large signature events to smaller community celebrations. Naig says the tree planting effort, which includes a goal of planting 250 trees across Iowa with the...
Managing weeds during unpredictable spring weather
As we have seen over the past couple weeks, the weather in Iowa can change on a dime. According to NOAA, that variability will continue throughout the 2026 spring season. This can make weed management even more difficult- drier areas will have to be mindful of...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-17-26)
The weather patterns are still favorable for farmers as harvest and planting continues in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for South America. McBride said progress is still looking good for both harvest and...
Dry winter did not replenish needed moisture for growing season
Generally speaking, it was a mild and dry winter season for the United States. And it has left many areas of the country with dryness as the beginning of the planting season approaches. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the lack of precipitation this winter...
China signals openness to buying more U.S. ag products
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held what were called “remarkably stable” talks in Paris during the weekend on several topics. Reuters said the discussions centered on potential areas of agreement in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade for U.S....
U.S. soybean quality delivering value in global markets
As global soybean production continues to expand, competition in export markets is increasing. However, U.S. soybean leaders say quality remains one of the biggest advantages American farmers bring to the global marketplace. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S....
News headlines bring negativity to soybean marketplace
Front month soybeans began Monday with a price of $12.14 cents before seeing losses of 70 cents to close at $11.55 and ¼ cents. In addition to continuing conflict in the Middle East and shipping issues in the Strait of Hormuz, comments from President Donald Trump...
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Previewing USDA’s Prospective Plantings Report
The 2026 USDA Prospective Plantings Report is scheduled for release on Tuesday March 31st. The report surveys farmer planting intentions for major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and more. This report gives us the first real snapshot of what planted acreage...
Secretary Naig welcomes the nationwide emergency waiver for 2026 summertime E15 sales
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today after the Trump Administration issued an emergency waiver authorizing nationwide sales of E15 during the summer of 2026. “I appreciate the Trump Administration allowing the nationwide sale of...
Rising fuel prices renew push for E15 access
Rising fuel prices and global tensions are once again putting a spotlight on domestic energy options, including higher ethanol blends like E15. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says situations impacting global oil markets serve as a reminder of why expanding...
Feenstra working to make Iowa the most ag and business-friendly state
Today is National Ag Day, and Iowa farmers are a huge part of the nation’s ag industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra announced the Farmers for Feenstra coalition, a group of over 100 Iowa farmers who are committed to joining his efforts to make Iowa the most...
Spring bird migration enhances HPAI threat
The spring migratory season brings with it the renewed threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, is reminding farmers and others to take all necessary precautions. The...
