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New ARC/PLC acres will be specifically distributed
Thirty million new base acres in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill won’t be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the USDA is electing to distribute those acres in a more organized way. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said producers don’t need to rush to their FSA office for the new Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) base acres. Fordyce said this will keep farmers from having to stake their claim on base...
November pork and beef export below year-ago levels
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest...
Phil’s forecast and possible ag implications
For those of us in the Midwest and eastern states, Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day forecast comes as no surprise with the famous groundhog calling for six more weeks of winter. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey who says that Phil’s forecast lines up with the...
Farmers aggressively sold soybeans in 2025
U.S. farmers were aggressive sellers of soybeans last fall as prices climbed after trade tensions eased between the U.S. and China. With higher prices and a swifter pace of sales, commercial ownership of soybeans rose sharply while use of delayed pricing programs and...
USDA cattle numbers show ongoing herd decline
The USDA released its latest Cattle Inventory Report last Friday, just ahead of this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Nashville. While the overall change in cattle numbers was modest, the data continues to reinforce a long running trend of...
NE Iowa farmer saw impressive soybean yields in 2025
Last year’s crop season was full of curveballs, but farmers were still able to grow some very successful crops. In fact, several Iowa farmers were winners of the 2025 Asgrow Brand National Yield Contest. The annual competition is open to any farmers in the U.S. who...
Dairy producers see unexpected spike in market prices
A recent jump in the dairy markets was good news for dairy producers. Mike North, the president of the producer division with Ever.Ag, appeared at the Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo and said the spike in prices was driven by weather. North said in this era of price...
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Markets continue to look at South America as harvest continues
There were some recent concerns about dry weather in South America, but the current forecast is now showing ideal conditions for their crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said soybean...
Senate Finance Committee looks closely at USMCA trade deal
With the review process of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement set to begin later this year, the Senate Finance Committee took a closer look at the deal this week. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Strong U.S. corn exports continue
Another month-over-month increase is forecasted for our nation's corn exports, according to USDA's latest outlook. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses the export numbers for the nation’s record corn crop. Jekanowski says one impact from...
Dairy producers in Iowa reminded to obtain 2026 dairy margin coverage by February 26
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 12 and the deadline to enroll is...
Iowa regulators highlight changes to pesticide guidance
New federal pesticide decisions and evolving endangered species requirements are expected to bring more field-specific guidance for Iowa applicators heading into the growing season. Conversations following the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Showcase highlighted how...
