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Farmers reaching limits of fertilizer efficiency
Farmers are being asked to do more with less, especially with fertilizer. With input costs remaining a concern and profit margins already stretched thin, producers are looking for every possible way to save money. But there is a limit to how much you can cut before those savings start affecting production. It's like wringing out a dish rag. Eventually, you cannot squeeze another drop from it, yet you're still expected to keep washing with a rag you cannot re-wet. That is the challenge facing...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-16-26)
While there was no major reaction in the grain markets, this week’s export sales were good, especially for this time of year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were decent. McBride said the soybean sales were better than expected for this...
Northern heat wave shouldn’t last long enough to negatively affect crops
A stretch of the Northern U.S. is the path of a ridge of high pressure producing high temperatures hovering around 100 degrees through the week. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the northern portions of the great plains are still experiencing high temperatures that...
USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the...
Poll reveals record voter support for E15
A new national survey shows record-high voter support for expanding access to E15, the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend, and making it available year-round. The Renewable Fuels Association says 75 percent of registered voters support wider availability of E15, while more...
Farmers remain cautious about AI technology
Artificial intelligence is becoming a larger part of agriculture, but many farmers remain cautious about adopting the technology, according to the latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey asked producers about artificial intelligence...
Looking for profits amid heightened grain market volatility
The markets are already volatile at this time of year, but when you add a few global news headlines on top of that, you get what we are currently seeing in the ag marketplace: chaos, chaos, and more chaos. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer...
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Rainfall supports higher yield estimates for Iowa crops
Another round of rain has gone through the state, and this time the western region finally got some relieving moisture. As indicated by the August producer survey from StoneX, this may lead to a strong crop for most Iowa farmers. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at...
U.S. bison gains duty-free access to European Union
Under a newly implemented tariff rate quota (TRQ), U.S. bison now has duty-free access to the European Union. The TRQ is for 3,000 metric tons annually. As National Bison Association Executive Director Jim Matheson explains, U.S. bison has been gaining interest in the...
Weather forecast keeping pressure on corn and soybean marketplace
While there are a lot of factors that are exerting influence on the grains in the ag marketplace, including the crude oil price and the stock market, the main influence remains the weather forecast. While the forecast is positive in terms of crop conditions and...
Record ethanol blend rate lowers fuel costs for drivers
The average ethanol content in U.S. gasoline reached a record 11.29 percent in May, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. The Renewable Fuels Association says the increase was driven by strong blending economics as ethanol sold at a...
Tight margins make financial analysis critical
As many farmers continue to navigate a difficult economic environment, understanding the financial health of their operations has become increasingly important. While many producers complete financial statements to satisfy their lenders, one agricultural attorney says...
