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New U.S. ammonia plant will increase domestic production
Fertilizer prices and availability have been a major pain point for U.S. producers for several years. A major factor that contributes to that pressure is fact that the U.S. imports about 50 percent of the 20 million tons of the fertilizer farmers across the country use every year. The recent groundbreaking of the $3.7 billion Blue Point 1 project in Louisiana signals an eventual turning point in the overreliance on fertilizer imports. Stephen Vaden, USDA Deputy Secretary, said the time to act...
Nemasphere aims at silent soybean losses
Soybean cyst nematode remains one of the most costly hidden yield threats in soybean production, and BASF says its upcoming Nemasphere trait platform is designed to help growers protect more of the yield potential already built into today’s soybean genetics. The...
Breaking down the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports
The USDA released both the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports on March 31st. Heading into the day, the markets were anticipating big news from the planting acres, but it seems that there was more to react to in the grain stocks report. Allendale...
Trump administration steps up as Congress fails to pass year-round E15
After Congress failed to act on key biofuels policy- namely year-round E15- the Trump administration is reportedly stepping up to the plate to get something more permanent done. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said recent announcements have...
What is the next step for year-round E15 legislation?
Last week the EPA issued a waiver to allow for summertime E15 sales across the country in 2026. However, permanent legislation for E15 sales year-round is still a priority for many Midwest politicians hoping to provide certainty for farmers and retailers. United...
Secretary Naig presents 2026 Ag Leader Awards for outstanding contributions to Iowa agriculture
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in...
Nitrogen ROI matters more in 2026
With tighter crop margins forcing farmers to scrutinize every input dollar this season, nitrogen management remains one of the biggest opportunities to protect return on investment. Ron Calhoun with Nutrien says the focus is not simply cutting nitrogen, but improving...
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Farm Bureau applauds House passage of 2026 farm bill
After several months of work and negotiation, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the farm bill, with a bipartisan vote. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-30-26)
This week’s export sales continued the recent trends we have seen. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales had another strong report. The soybean sales, however, were disappointing once again. Additionally, there have been no flash sales since last...
Demand for soy oil driving price to the upside
When petroleum diesel prices rise, renewable diesel and biodiesel become more competitive. As the crude oil price has climbed in the weeks since the beginning of the war in Iran, soy oil prices have followed suit. However, it’s not just the war that is causing price...
Farmers face another year of tight margins
U.S. farmers are entering another growing season with tight profit margins as lower crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty weigh on the outlook for 2026. Corn and soybean prices remain below levels seen during recent highs, while expenses for...
Prop 12 repeal rides with Farm Bill to House floor
As the House prepares to take up the Farm Bill this week, pork producers are watching closely to see if Congress will finally address California’s Proposition 12. The National Pork Producers Council has made repeal of Prop 12 one of its top priorities, and Todd...
