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Chinese buying of U.S. farm goods remains weak
China's purchases of U.S. agricultural products outside soybeans are on track for their lowest level in seven years, despite a trade agreement calling for billions of dollars in annual imports. A Reuters analysis of Chinese customs data shows Beijing purchased just 7.2 billion dollars worth of other U.S. agricultural goods between January and September. That includes products such as meat and corn, with imports at their lowest for that period since 2019. The White House announced in May that...
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...
Corn prices rally despite lack of news headlines
After a few very busy weeks of market news, this week has been much slower. As a result, the markets haven’t had much to trade on so far. Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group said both the corn and soybeans have been very oversold. Moore said the markets may be...
Cattle demand remains strong despite tight supplies
Strong consumer demand continues to support the cattle market, even as producers manage historically small herd numbers and tighter supplies. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said demand remains one of the brightest spots in agriculture today....
New active ingredients face long road to farmers
Uncertainty brings problems for everyone in agriculture that is trying to build long-term plans and make long-term decisions. In the case of companies that are trying to bring new active ingredients to market and give farmers new tools to battle weeds, pests, and...
Groups react to the EPA reallocation proposal
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to restore 100 percent of renewable fuel volumes waived through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a move welcomed by corn and soybean farmers. The proposal would reallocate volumes waived for...
Beef on dairy success brings unexpected market challenges
The dairy industry is facing an unusual situation. Demand for dairy products remains strong, exports continue to grow, and consumers are increasingly looking for high-protein foods. However, abundant milk supplies are putting pressure on cheese prices. Surprisingly,...
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Dutch food safety pioneer recognized as 2026 World Food Prize Laureate
Dutch food scientist Huub Lelieveld of the Netherlands was celebrated as the 2026 World Food Prize Laureate at a high-level ceremony presided over by Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, who delivered the Laureate Proclamation, as the World Food Prize celebrated...
Farmers aren’t getting extra profits from high grocery prices
Farm income across the country is not keeping up with the rising costs of groceries. Many consumers also don’t realize that higher prices don’t lead to greater farm profits, especially since farmers are also paying for groceries themselves. Terri Moore, vice president...
Iowa farmers have new tool in the toolbox for corn rootworm control
After more than 10 years of research and development, the new insecticide active ingredient from Syngenta, PLINAZOLIN® technology, is available for Iowa’s growers to use. Scott Johnson, U.S. product lead row crop insecticides with Syngenta, says that after federal and...
Federal farm safety net payments reach record $13.8 billion
Federal farm safety-net payments are expected to reach a record $13.8 billion for the 2025 crop year, reflecting the growing importance of government assistance to American agricultural producers. USDA says payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss...
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...
