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There’s still a chance for an updated farm bill
Both the Senate and Congress now have Democrat majorities, which changes what we might see in the next farm bill, assuming we get one soon. Duane Simpson, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said he believes some work will get done to finish the farm bill. With the double majority for Democrats, it is likely that Republicans will have no choice but to allow a two-year delay for SNAP benefits if they want a farm bill done soon. However, Simpson said that doesn’t mean SNAP...
Iowa farmers weigh storage decisions amid weak prices
As Iowa farmers continue working through the 2026 harvest, grain markets remain under pressure despite reports of improving corn yields in parts of the state. Lower commodity prices, speculative selling, and seasonal harvest pressure are creating challenges for...
Trump administration announces $1.34B investment in domestic fertilizer production
Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced eight fertilizer manufacturing projects that will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-22-26)
A mixed export sales report continued the recent trends we have seen for corn and soybean demand. Allendale commodity broker Teddy Tarvis said the corn sales were disappointing again. On the other hand, Tarvis said the soybean sales were very strong again this week,...
Pumpkin popularity from producer and consumer perspective
At this time of year, you are hard pressed to visit a retail store that doesn’t have pumpkins available for purchase. Pumpkin patches have also become extremely popular weekend destinations for people to visit for entertainment and family fun and to pick out a pumpkin...
Diesel aid could drive farm payments to record levels
USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program could push government payments to farmers to a record $55.4 billion in 2026. According to Progressive Farmer, that’s if the estimated $8 billion in diesel assistance is distributed before year’s end. That would surpass the...
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...
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More Ag News
Harvest Relief Program is a good first step, but there’s still work to do
While farmers do need and appreciate the help provided by the Harvest Fuel Relief program, a long-term solution is still needed to protect the nation’s ag industry. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said a comprehensive farm bill would go a long way in...
New market access driving interest in U.S. meat at SIAL Paris
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork and lamb met with buyers from around the globe this week at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food shows. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a pavilion of red meat exporters made possible through support from USDA’s...
Trends and takeaways from the October Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the October Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the report provided us clues on the direction of the United States cattle herd. The placements number was below trade expectations; USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer provides the data. Fischer says...
USDA farm diesel relief payments expected after November election
Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election. USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging...
IntelliGel technology targets moisture and nutrient retention
Farmers can make all the right decisions when it comes to fertilizer and crop management, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Whether it's too much rain or not enough, moisture conditions can determine how effectively crops use the nutrients already in the...
