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USDA turns to AI to help validate crop report data
USDA is using an artificial intelligence tool to check data in today’s monthly crop production report, following errors that raised questions about government crop estimates. Undersecretary Scott Hutchins says the tool would have caught a problem in September’s corn data. A computer file incorrectly combined irrigated and non-irrigated acreage information, although USDA says the original survey data were accurate. The AI system will serve as an additional validation step, not replace existing...
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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Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
