Top Stories
U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures. On-farm processing and direct-to-consumer sales are also drawing attention as farmers look to diversify income streams. USDA data show fertilizer, fuel and equipment costs remain elevated, while corn and soybean prices have...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in...
Naig voices frustration over stalled federal E15 progress
Federal movement on year-round E15 access remains uncertain as February winds down, leaving biofuels supporters waiting for clearer direction from Congress. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says frustration is growing among ethanol advocates who believed...
RFA blames divided oil industry for no year-round E15 deal
The Renewable Fuels Association says that a deal on year-round E15 access could have crossed the finish line if not for infighting between a divided oil industry. Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice-President Troy Bredenkamp says most of the oil industry was on...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-20-26)
The weekly export sales report was significantly overshadowed by trade deal news and the Supreme Court’s decision to rule against President Trump’s tariff authority, but that doesn’t change the fact that both the corn and soybean markets saw uncharacteristically good...
Supreme Court rules against President Trump’s tariff authority
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump does not have the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact global tariffs, dealing a major blow to the President’s primary economic strategy. This decision comes...
Video
More Ag News
Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in...
Naig voices frustration over stalled federal E15 progress
Federal movement on year-round E15 access remains uncertain as February winds down, leaving biofuels supporters waiting for clearer direction from Congress. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says frustration is growing among ethanol advocates who believed...
