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House Ag Chair proposes sweeping change in ag labor program
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages. Politico said “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would broaden access to H-2A workers while allowing some undocumented agricultural employees in the U.S. to apply for temporary legal status under the program if they meet eligibility requirements. Thompson said the proposal is intended to...
Vilsack to lead World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation says former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will serve as the new CEO of the organization beginning on March 1, 2025. As the CEO, the Foundation says Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
Grassley discusses tariff concerns
After taking office last week President Trump announced he is considering introducing import tariffs as high as 25% on Canada and Mexico beginning in February. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the potential tariffs during his weekly ag...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-28-25)
After some needed dryness in Brazil, rain has reentered the forecast. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in South America. Harvest is officially underway in Brazil, which means that planters are also following close behind...
Finishing off an exceptionally dry and cold January
Recently, a large arctic air mass has made its way through much of the United States. This is what caused the subzero temperatures in Iowa, and it’s also what brought snow down to the Southeast. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that, fortunately, this...
U.S. share of China’s soybean market dropped in 2024
China’s soybean imports from the United States dropped five percent in 2024 from the previous year. Reuters says, “U.S. soybean imports were replaced in the Chinese market by shipments from Brazil and Argentina as fears of a renewed trade war between China and the...
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U.S. agriculture is looking for certainty
Uncertainty in the ag sector is nothing new. However, the level of uncertainty for all areas of agriculture has ramped up in 2025. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, says that U.S. agriculture needs more stable ground to stand on to be as efficient...
Secretary Naig encourages farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The annual program, which is available to eligible first-time users as well as...
Farming smarter with microbial nitrogen tools
Nitrogen is essential to growing a healthy crop, but it can come with environmental and regulatory challenges. As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for consumers and policymakers, farmers seek solutions that maintain productivity while reducing runoff and...
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
