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Global fertilizer disruptions raise concerns for Iowa farmers
As Iowa farmers prepare for fall fertilizer applications, questions about supplies and prices are becoming increasingly important. Continued conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fertilizer markets, while trade uncertainty between the United States and Canada is creating additional concerns for American agriculture. The challenges extend beyond nitrogen fertilizer. Phosphate production is facing unusually high input costs, and potash supplies could become vulnerable if trade...
PFI hosts 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosted the 2nd Annual Midwest Meat Summit at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this week. The two-day event brought together all members of the meat industry, including producers, processors, and distributors. Amos...
South American crops produced a quality growing season
Brazil’s second corn crop of the year is being harvested now. Dr. Michael Cordonnier of Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc. says some areas of the country are experiencing more moisture than normal but widespread damage to corn crops has not been reported. Cordonnier...
China soybean demand offers support for U.S. exports
Fresh soybean purchases by China are providing some encouragement for U.S. growers. The Wall Street Journal reports Chinese buyers have begun placing new orders for U.S. soybeans currently being planted. USDA officials say they remain optimistic China will meet...
Claw health key to improving sow longevity
Claw health may not be the first thing producers think about when evaluating sow performance, but researchers say it can have a significant impact on longevity, productivity, and overall herd performance. Many of the factors that ultimately lead to a sow leaving the...
Changes to Clean Fuel Production Credit can help U.S. farmers
Long-awaited updates to the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, known as 45Z, have been announced by the Department of Energy. These changes could benefit farmers and ranchers in the future. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
China honoring trade agreement and purchasing U.S. grain
The markets have been trending upward during this shortened trading week. After a rough start to the month, some recent headlines have given the corn and soybeans something to work with. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer strategy at Landus...
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More Ag News
Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect...
July started with heavy rain but has since dried out
This month has already been a crazy one when it comes to the weather. July started off with unrelenting rainfall across much of central Iowa, but since then it has transitioned to a warm and dry pattern. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist with Landus Cooperative,...
Drought coverage shrinking across most of the U.S
Spring and early summer rainfall has helped to shrink the drought coverage area in the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the U.S. Drought Monitor looks vastly different as of July 7th compared to the drought monitor maps of April 2026. The areas of D3...
Secretary Naig announces urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced four additional urban water quality projects, continuing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) multi-phase investment in locally-led conservation efforts across Iowa communities. This...
May meat exports paint a complex picture
Exports of U.S. beef and pork were held back in May by key market access issues, beginning with suspensions of beef plants in China. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, market access issues in China and Mexico have limited U.S. beef and pork exports....
