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Farmers spent $1.4B more on diesel during planting season
A new study by Joint Economic Committee Democrats found that farmers of key crops in the U.S. spent $1.4 billion more on diesel fuel during the 2025–2026 planting season than they did last season, reports Successful Farming. The increase in diesel spending to plant corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice was a 63% jump year-over-year. Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota had the highest increase overall. According to Michigan Farm News, the cost doesn’t take into account other war-related increases...
Congressman calls for quicker ARC, PLC Payments
House Ag Committee Republican Rick Crawford asked for support from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins at a recent hearing to help speed up ARC and PLC payments. Arkansas Representative Rick Crawford says that payments can sometimes be delayed by up to a year. Crawford told...
Work underway on a year-round E15 bill in the Senate
Efforts to secure year-round nationwide sales of E15 ethanol fuel remain active in the U.S. Senate, offering renewed hope for corn growers seeking expanded demand for their crop. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said that lawmakers are working on new...
June forecast brings rain, warmth to Midwest
A warm and active weather pattern is expected to continue across much of the United States through the middle of June, bringing beneficial moisture and above-normal temperatures to many key crop-producing regions. According to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-9-26)
While drier conditions still remain in South America, recent rainfall has caused a notable improvement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. Currently, farmers in Brazil just wrapped up first crop...
Cattle producers aren’t surprised that NWS made it across the border
New World Screwworm (NWS) finally made its way into the U.S. last week, but the cattle industry isn’t surprised it happened. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall said they have been expecting this to happen for a while. Woodall said it’s been...
USMCA trade agreement vital to Iowa’s ag trade
The USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement) is a free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The agreement lasts for 16 years, with reviews every six years. With the July 1st renewal deadline drawing near Farmers for Free Trade held a...
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PFI hosts 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosted the 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this week. The two-day event brought together all members of the meat industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. Amos...
South American crops produced a quality growing season
Brazil’s second corn crop of the year is being harvested now. Dr. Michael Cordonnier of Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc. says some areas of the country are experiencing more moisture than normal but widespread damage to corn crops has not been reported. Cordonnier...
China soybean demand offers support for U.S. exports
Fresh soybean purchases by China are providing some encouragement for U.S. growers. The Wall Street Journal reports Chinese buyers have begun placing new orders for U.S. soybeans currently being planted. USDA officials say they remain optimistic China will meet...
Claw health key to improving sow longevity
Claw health may not be the first thing producers think about when evaluating sow performance, but researchers say it can have a significant impact on longevity, productivity, and overall herd performance. Many of the factors that ultimately lead to a sow leaving the...
Changes to Clean Fuel Production Credit can help U.S. farmers
Long-awaited updates to the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, known as 45Z, have been announced by the Department of Energy. These changes could benefit farmers and ranchers in the future. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
