Top Stories
Farm industry is navigating challenging times
There’s no doubt it’s been a rough go for the U.S. agricultural sector in recent years. Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, said the passage of the farm bill out of the House provides a bit of hope. Larew said it was disappointing to see year-round E15 amendment get pulled from the House Farm Bill after disagreements between oil-patch and farm-state Republicans. Larew said it’s time for the U.S. to invest in more domestic fertilizer prices to help withstand the price shocks...
Fertilizer supplies and prices are major concerns in 2026
As planting season quickly approaches, now is not the time for there to be questions about the fertilizer supply. The current problems in the Middle East could have a major impact on fertilizer supplies and prices for 2026 and possibly even 2027. Louisiana State...
U.S. ethanol exports slip to start the year
U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry...
Diversified markets supporting U.S. soybean demand
U.S. soybean exports wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected, even as trade tensions created challenges in some key markets. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the year finished with the third-highest total soy complex exports ever...
New biomanufacturing device makes biological production more accessible
Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) have developed a biomanufacturing device that could make it much more feasible for companies to produce biological products on a small scale. Funded by BioMADE, the Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor-Extractor-Separator...
What to expect in the 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...
Searching for Iowa’s Best Burger
For those searching for the best burger in Iowa, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are making the quest easier as they announce the top 10 finalists in the 17th annual Iowa’s Best Burger Contest. More than 350 restaurants were...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-25-26)
The concerns over dry conditions in South America can be put to rest for the time being, as they have been getting plenty of rain as of late. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the forecasts for both Brazil and Argentina. The rain in Brazil has...
Senate Farm Bill could still contain year-round E15
The Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it is lifting the summertime restrictions on E15 sales again for 2026. As we experience rising gas prices, year-round E15 sales will provide economic relief for consumers and strengthen the ag industry. However,...
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...
