Top Stories
Fall tillage and field angles matter for Iowa soybeans
It has been a smooth fall across most of Iowa, with combines running steadily and fields opening up early. Harvest went about as well as anyone could hope for, but that does not mean the season was without its challenges. Disease pressure was the bigger story in 2025, especially with southern rust making one of its rare appearances across the state. Even so, farmers are already turning their attention to what they can do now to set up stronger soybeans for 2026, and residue management is near...
Tassel wrap issues originate from seed genetics
One of the biggest crop issues this year was tassel wrap, which severely limited the ability of affected corn plants from pollinating. This issue is also unique in that it isn’t caused by a pest or disease- tassel wrap is actually a genetic issue. As a result, some...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-23-25)
While the weather is not too different from the usual in South America, the economy in Argentina is seeing some rough times. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress...
Strong demand and value for U.S. Pork
Many global purchasers recognize the value U.S. Pork brings to their customers as they make purchases of trusted U.S. Pork products. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, says that strong demand from international...
Secretary Naig welcomes grant applications for urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting pre-applications for cost-share grants to support urban conservation and water quality projects as part of the state’s Nutrient Reduction...
Upcoming Dietary Guidelines could blur lines on processed foods
Last week, we looked at the MAHA report and what it covered, and just as importantly, what it left out. While the document laid out key priorities for the pork industry, it did not take on the looming debate over federal dietary guidelines. That discussion is coming...
New World Screwworm detected 70 miles from U.S. border
Today, the USDA announced that New World Screwworm was detected in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, approximately 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. In light of this news, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is urging the federal government to expedite...
Video
More Ag News
Ag marketplace is navigating blind without USDA reports
With the government shutdown in full effect, there won't be any export sales reports until Congress can pass a budget resolution. However, we can still look at the estimates this week for a rough idea of what the sales might look like. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Government shuts down as Congress fails to pass budget resolution
The Congressional budget year runs through September 30, and the clock has recently run out. Emily Buckman, director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Congress was unable to reach an agreement to keep the federal government open....
Favorable fall weather conditions assisting Iowa’s farmers
Mother Nature is lending a helping hand to farmers this week as conditions are excellent for many aspects of agriculture. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the Central U.S. is experiencing nearly ideal conditions for both harvest and planting cover crops. Rippey...
California Governor signs landmark E15 legislation
In a historic move, California Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 30 into law, authorizing the sale of gasoline blends containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) at retail fuel stations across the state. With this action, E15 is authorized for sale by all 50...
Stronger soils mean smarter decisions in 2026
Harvest is running full throttle across Iowa, and while combines are rolling, many farmers are already thinking ahead to what comes next. Rising input costs and shrinking profit margins mean every decision matters more than ever. As planning for 2026 begins to take...
