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USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to increase to 10% in 2027 and 15% in 2028. This announcement represents a much more measured approach than some of the potential actions USTR proposed in October, which included possible suspension of Nicaragua’s CAFTA-DR benefits...
No plan yet to open U.S. to Mexican cattle imports
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the U.S. isn’t ready to open its border once again to cattle imports from Mexico. Despite that, Rollins said Mexico’s efforts to contain the flesh-eating New World Screwworm are progressing well. The border has been largely closed to...
Boosting the farm economy by allowing whole milk in schools
New analysis from the American Farm Bureau shows a simple solution that could support the farm economy. For over a decade, schoolchildren have been prevented from purchasing whole or 2 percent milk in schools. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch said...
Biofuel industry awaits EPA’s final reallocation plan
The Environmental Protection Agency has been busy shaping the future of America’s renewable fuel landscape in recent months, with a series of decisions that could have major ripple effects across the biofuels industry. From ethanol to biodiesel and everything in...
Supreme Court set to hear challenges to President Trump’s tariffs
The Supreme Court is set to hear challenges to President Trump’s use of a 1977 law to claim emergency tariff power. Recently just four GOP Senators from farm-heavy states backed a Democratic measure to end President Trump’s claim of emergency tariff power. However,...
Southern Rust limited corn crop from reaching lofty expectations
Expectations were high for this year’s crop, and even though disease pressure kept the crops from realizing those lofty expectations, many farmers still saw decent yields. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said harvest should wrap up soon, as these crops...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-4-25)
Farmers in South America are in the early stages of their second crop season of the year. So far, the weather has been mostly favorable for planting progress. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch said it’s early enough that the markets aren’t too focused on the...
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From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
Trade trip aims to deepen ties with Vietnam and Indonesia
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was wheels up early this morning as he headed out on a state trade mission to Southeast Asia. The delegation will spend the next several days in Vietnam and Indonesia, two fast-growing markets that continue to show strong interest...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (11-13-25)
With the end of the government shutdown, this will be the last time for the foreseeable future that we will only have export estimates to look at. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales are still expected to be strong. Over in the soybeans,...
Rare bipartisan agreement on USDA in bill to reopen government
In a rare show of bipartisanship Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the USDA spending bill, which was a part of the bill that reopened the government. The USDA spending bill was one of just three full-year spending bills passed. Here is top Ag...
Ag groups react to the end of the government shutdown
American agriculture groups reacted positively to the official end of the government shutdown this week. “American cattle producers need their government running at full capacity to provide critical services and market data,” said Ethan Lane, the senior vice president...
