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Grain markets monitoring three major headlines
The ag marketplace has been all over the place recently. This week alone saw double-digit moves in both positive and negative directions for corn and soybeans, with both markets finishing the week higher. There are a few major news factors that have led to this heightened volatility. Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group said there’s a lot of hope that a peace treaty can finally be reached with Iran. Moore said the markets are also anticipating the May WASDE report, which will offer the first good...
Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric...
The proof of pork demand is in consumer data
The National Pork Board has a comprehensive business intelligence team analyzing data throughout the supply chain, including consumer preference, volume, value, and purchase trends. Kiersten Hafer, NPB vice president of business intelligence and innovation, said they...
Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs
A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten...
Mental health pressure builds for Iowa farmers but help exists
As agriculture heads toward another challenging season, rural health professionals say the mental strain on farmers continues to grow. Market uncertainty, weather concerns, and long hours can weigh heavily on producers. While conversations around mental health have...
Feenstra discusses plans to make Iowa “the most ag and business-friendly state”
It’s no secret that we are navigating an exceptionally difficult farm economy. Many farmers, particularly at the smaller level, are facing tough decisions on whether or not they can even operate for another year. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is running for...
Planted acres projections reflect cautious farm economy
USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. As crop farmers prepare to plant their corn, soybeans, or wheat in 2026, many are making decisions with the current farm economy in mind. Faith Parum, an economist for...
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More Ag News
Understanding soil variability can improve crop management
Understanding what is happening below the soil surface can help farmers make more precise agronomic decisions and better target their input investments. New tools are allowing growers and agronomists to collect more detailed soil data that can reveal variability...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-12-26)
Once again, the export sales for corn and soybeans tell two different stories. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales had yet another strong week. Soybeans, on the other hand, have seen disappointing sales in four of the last five weeks. However,...
45z tax credit is almost across the finish line
The public comment period on the 45z tax credit proposal is ending on April 5th. Since this legislation has been in the works for so long, it’s incredibly important for producers to speak up on what they want to see in it. Mitchell Hora, founder of Continuum Ag, said...
Helping growers track sustainability and make improvements
In 2026 there are a lot of aspects of conservation and sustainability that a farmer needs to keep track of. Steven Wall is the development manager of sustainability at Syngenta and he tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network about a tool that can help growers measure,...
Lawmakers eyeing war funding package for more farm aid
President Donald Trump will seek a funding package for the war unfolding in Iran, and Republican lawmakers are debating whether to attach wildfire aid and $15 billion in tariff relief for farmers to the package. Four sources told E&E News that senior GOP...
