Top Stories
Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by allowing small oil refineries to blend less biofuel into the U.S. fuel supply. While these exemptions would generally result in less demand for American-grown biofuels, EPA pledged to make up the difference in upcoming years. The...
Senators introduce bill aimed at stabilizing farm labor costs
U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization,...
U.S. red meat exporters connecting with buyers in Mexico
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb met face-to-face with buyers from across Mexico last week at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s second U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. One of those exporters was Mark Spengler of Greater Omaha Packing Company, who...
Rollins points to demand drivers for corn
As farmers prepare to get the 2026 crop in the ground, attention is turning to both demand and costs, and how the balance between the two could shape the year ahead. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...
Whey protein boom is redefining dairy market dynamics
The boom in demand for whey protein is reshaping the economics of the U.S. dairy industry. While it does introduce plenty of new opportunities for revenue, it also creates a few new risks for dairy producers. Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Specialist, said...
Maximizing the efficiency of nitrogen applications
Crop production in 2026 is defined by one theme: input efficiency. With tighter margins and fluctuating commodity prices, growers are looking for ways to make every input count, especially nitrogen. Cody Hornaday, a technical agronomist for Koch Agronomic Services,...
SAF industry attempting to lay foundation for long-term success
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition represents more than 50 members across the entire value chain, including farmers, producers, and industry partners. Executive Director Allison Graab says that the coalition is attempting to promote SAF to federal lawmakers while...
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More Ag News
Recapping a volatile week in the grain markets
President Trump’s meeting with China President Xi Jinping is over, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like there was much discussion about agriculture. The ag industry was hoping for some official trade deals, but all we’ve seen so far are verbal agreements between...
Stay prepared for natural disasters in farm country
Here in Iowa, tornadoes and other severe weather storms can decimate an area in no time. The same is true for much of the country- in fact, data shows that 90% of US counties have experienced a flood, hurricane, wildfire, or other calamity serious enough to receive a...
USDA soybean oil export outlook raises concerns about market volatility
New USDA projections for soybean oil exports are increasing concerns about price volatility in agricultural markets as demand tied to renewable fuels continues reshaping the soybean sector. Analysts with the University of said the government’s first 2026-27 soybean...
A multi-state focus on specialty crops
Applications are now being accepted for grants from USDA's Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, which is designed to address various concerns and efforts within the specialty crop industry. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Deputy Administrator Tricia Kovacs provides...
Soy checkoff continues evolving with changing demand needs
Farmers across the country are taking a harder look at every dollar moving through their operations. With tight margins, elevated input costs, and continued uncertainty in the ag economy, some soybean growers may question whether they are truly seeing value from the...
