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USDA faces borrowing caps for farm programs
The Commodity Credit Corporation may soon fall short of funds, hindering farm safety net programs. While increases in the farm safety net through the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act were welcome, there are concerns that USDA will receive enough funding for the safety net to work. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, shares that the USDA has relied on the Commodity Credit Corporation to fund numerous programs for farmers and ranchers for decades....
NCGA recognizes Rep. Feenstra with President’s Award
The National Corn Growers Association recognizes Rep. Randy Feenstra with its highest honor, the President’s Award. Feenstra, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, has been a long-standing champion for corn grower priorities, especially for expanding ethanol...
USDA invests $500 million in processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $500 million to strengthen the nation's beef processing capacity through its Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers, or SPUR, program. The funding is aimed at small and midsize meat processors, which USDA defines as...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-16-26)
While there was no major reaction in the grain markets, this week’s export sales were good, especially for this time of year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were decent. McBride said the soybean sales were better than expected for this...
Northern heat wave shouldn’t last long enough to negatively affect crops
A stretch of the Northern U.S. is the path of a ridge of high pressure producing high temperatures hovering around 100 degrees through the week. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the northern portions of the great plains are still experiencing high temperatures that...
USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the...
Poll reveals record voter support for E15
A new national survey shows record-high voter support for expanding access to E15, the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend, and making it available year-round. The Renewable Fuels Association says 75 percent of registered voters support wider availability of E15, while more...
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Grassley discusses prospect of farmer aid payments to offset Iran war price hikes
Farmers have been vocal in their opposition to farm assistance payments from the federal government, preferring to sell their goods in the marketplace. That is the opinion of United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) who was asked on Tuesday about the House...
Tariff uncertainty continues to cloud trade outlook
Trade policy remains a major focus for businesses and commodity markets as uncertainty continues surrounding U.S. tariffs. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act...
Lower supplies, higher prices in latest USDA beef outlook
Recent trends within the industry have continued in the latest USDA beef production and price forecasts as part of the July meat outlook. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says with another month of tightening supplies, the projected steer...
Consumers looking at pork as beef prices remain high
2025 offered some great profit opportunities to swine producers as they enjoyed strong demand and lower input costs. Fortunately, some of those profit opportunities have carried into 2026. Holly Cook, economist with the National Pork Producers Council, said there are...
Iowa hosts largest barn tour in the world – September 19-20
If you are looking for something different to do on a September weekend, consider taking a self-guided tour of Iowa’s historic barns. The Iowa Barn Foundation is holding its 26th Annual All-State Barn Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, featuring over 100...
