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Trade deals only first step for USDA
As new trade agreements take shape, USDA officials say the next step is making sure those deals translate into real opportunities for U.S. agriculture. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says securing market access is only part of the process when it comes to expanding global demand for American products. Lindberg says once those agreements are in place, the focus shifts to building relationships and connecting U.S. producers with buyers around the...
February WASDE report was as uneventful as expected
After experiencing a very surprising January WASDE report, this month’s report was as quiet as expected. Overall, there really wasn’t much for the markets to react to. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of this month’s report. The report was so...
Increasing farm bankruptcies highlight economic challenges
New data from U.S. court filings indicate farm bankruptcy has risen again. This is yet another indicator that we are experiencing a struggling farm economy. Samantha Ayoub, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the data paints a stark picture of...
Adoption of precision dairy technologies
Most row crop farmers are very aware of and knowledgeable about precision agriculture technology. However, animal agriculture is quickly adopting more precision agriculture technology and that extends into the dairy industry. USDA research economist Johnathan McFadden...
Farm bankruptcies continued climbing in 2025
A new American Farm Bureau Market Intel Report said Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row, reaching 315 filings in 2025, a 46 percent increase from 2024. The Midwest and Southeast filed 121 and 105 Chapter 12 cases, respectively, far...
Why discipline matters more than market moves
Risk management is always part of agriculture, but in today’s volatile markets, the fundamentals matter as much as ever, regardless of operation size. Understanding costs, knowing who you are selling to, and being honest about what a balance sheet can withstand are...
Farmer bridge payments on track for release this month
The USDA is on track to deliver the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments to farmers. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, said things are looking good to get that help in the hands of producers this month. Fordyce said...
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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...
AI and precision technology gain momentum on U.S. dairy farms
Artificial intelligence and precision technology are playing a growing role on U.S. dairy farms as producers seek greater efficiency and ways to manage ongoing labor shortages. Dairy cooperatives and technology firms say AI-driven tools can track milk production,...
Fertilizer outlook for the 2026 growing season
In what could be a very early season for anhydrous rigs in the Midwest good news is scarce on the fertilizer front. That is according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, who has been keeping a close eye on the price of nitrogen during the winter...
Iowa livestock producers urged to plan ahead for fly season
As warmer weather approaches, livestock producers may be looking ahead to fly season and considering management strategies that go beyond simply treating adult flies. Many experts say early planning and integrated approaches can help reduce pressure before populations...
