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Uncertainty around Brazil’s production forecast for 2027
Brazil’s corn and soybean crops could have a major impact on global grain markets. Joanna Colussi, a research assistant professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, identified fertilizer as the root of the problem. Colussi discussed how the stagnant profit margins put financial stress on farmers. According to her, farmers are now forced to take out loans to cover costs. For Colussi, unfavorable weather could also be a limiting factor in Brazilian farmers' crop...
Argentina sees more soybeans this year
We watch what happens with our neighbors in South America regarding crop production and its effects on our markets. Brazil is the largest soybean producer and exporter in the world, and Argentina is one of our largest corn competitors. Their production capabilities...
Third stopgap passes with farm, disaster aid
The third time was the charm, as the House and then the Senate passed stopgap funding legislation with farm and disaster aid to avert a midnight Friday government shutdown late last week. The legislation passed 366 to 34, clearing a two-thirds ‘yes’ vote threshold to...
Secretary naig cheers USMCA dispute resolution decision
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig provided the following statement after a United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute resolution panel ruled against Mexico’s baseless decree banning imports of genetically modified corn. “Iowa produces more corn...
Unnecessarily burdensome EU deforestation rule has been delayed
The European Parliament this week voted to delay implementation of a deforestation regulation- which was scheduled to go into effect on December 30th- for a year, providing a reprieve for U.S. cattlemen. The rule will require imports of beef and other goods to include...
Marketing pork to different types of consumers
The Pork Checkoff is re-imagining pork in consumer hearts and minds to build a bigger appetite for pork. National Pork Board Member Bill Luckey said the recent consumer segmentation research project showed a wide range of pork consumers. Short-term and long-term...
Iowa’s late-season H5N1 outbreaks are thanks to warmer fall
As we are now in winter, we know that prolonged exposure to colder temps will not be far away. Mother Nature has already given us a taste or two here in December. As much as we don’t always like the brisk cold, it is going to be a necessity to stop the latest round of...
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More Ag News
Murphy Foundation and Fareway donate springtime meals to Food Bank of Iowa
After the end of the main holiday season, many food banks see a drop in donations. But in a time when many of those food banks are in limbo due to a lack of USDA funding, donations need to keep coming in. It was great to see an annual donation continue its tradition,...
Gas prices experiencing momentary relief
Oil prices have dropped roughly $10 a barrel in the past week, which was tumultuous to say the least. Patrick DeHaan with Gasbuddy.com said a lot of this turbulence and unease is happening because of President Trump's tariffs coming in more significant than expected,...
Making a list and checking it twice before planting season
Preparing for the growing season means a lot of maintenance and check lists for growers. Some of the items on the check list are obvious, seed selection, planter maintenance and optimization, and field work. However, there are several factors that might not be top of...
Trump tariff pause appreciated by farmers
Farmers across the U.S. were pleased to hear most countries will get a 90-day reprieve from the new individualized tariffs announced April 2—an opportunity for negotiations with our trading partners that could lead to consensus and potentially avoid permanent tariffs,...
Crop nutrition is more important than ever
With the ag economy facing mounting pressure from rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and tightening margins, this season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. Farmers are feeling the weight of uncertainty, and every decision carries...
