Top Stories
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-14-26)
The weather is drying out a bit in Brazil, which could cause concerns as the second crop corn hits the last stage of growth. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this will be something to watch, but this is also close to the time that Brazil experiences its dry season anyways. McBride said the forecasts have more moisture for Argentina. McBride said soybean harvest is getting very close to completion. First crop corn in Brazil is behind the usual pace, but planting for the safrinha...
Secretary Naig issues statement on the Trump administration’s RFS volumes
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized strong renewable volume obligations (RVO) within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027: “Biofuels lower costs at the...
Ernst: 45Z must reflect Iowa farm practices
As federal agencies continue working through the rulemaking process for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the final guidance must reflect the work farmers are already doing on the ground. She says she and Senator Chuck Grassley have...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-26-26)
It’s been a volatile time in the ag marketplace, and that is no different for the export sales. This week’s numbers were a bit of a mixed bag. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales are still strong overall. McBride said the soybean sales were...
RVO announcement coming very soon
The renewable fuels industry has been long awaiting the Environmental Protection Agency's release of the latest Renewable Volume Obligation blending requirements which are expected to be announced very soon. Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection...
Food and agriculture generate 20 percent of all U.S. economic activity
Every year, the Feeding the Economy report provides a comprehensive look at the full economic footprint of U.S. food and agriculture. Among the report’s biggest takeaways is that food and agriculture support $10.4 trillion in total U.S. economic output, representing...
New “Product of the USA” label will provide consumers with clarity
During the National Agriculture Day event on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced a campaign regarding USDA’s new “Product of the USA” labeling standard that took effect on January 1. Rollins said the new voluntary label signifies meat...
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More Ag News
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...
