Top Stories
Drought pressures western rangeland management
When I visited Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about the challenges facing western rangelands as drought conditions continue to affect large portions of the country. Budd-Falen said those conditions are forcing difficult decisions for both ranchers and federal land managers as they work to balance livestock production, wildlife needs, and long-term resource health. Budd-Falen said...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-7-26)
Once again the corn sales were strong this week, and the soybean sales were disappointing. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest U.S. Export Sales Report. Even with the strong corn exports, McBride said the USDA will likely have to make...
Students need career development skills on top of classroom education
Employers today aren’t just looking for diplomas- they want people who can think creatively, lead teams, and solve problems in new and innovative ways. On top of earning an agriculture degree, students at Iowa State University can use the Pathways Program to gain...
Farmers already expect higher breakeven prices in 2027
The Purdue University/CME Group's Ag Economy Barometer declined in April as economic uncertainty caused a dip in farmer optimism for the future of their operations. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, says that corn...
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation names Katherine Mackenzie young farmer program coordinator
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has named Katherine MacKenzie as its young farmer program coordinator. MacKenzie began her Farm Bureau career on April 20, serving as the primary point of contact for young farmer members and working closely with IFBF’s Young...
USDA says Iowa near major weather boundary
Weather conditions across the United States continue to show a sharp contrast between wet and dry regions, and USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says Iowa is sitting near the center of that dividing line. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey...
It’s still too risky to ship fertilizer globally
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus in global markets as disruptions have created bottlenecks that are driving input costs even higher. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said it doesn’t matter if the strait is declared open or closed-...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-13-26)
Despite weather concerns for the crops in Brazil, the USDA increased the crop projections for both Brazil and Argentina in the latest WASDE report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said he was expecting to see a cut to the Brazil crop, which is still possible...
Farm Bureau leader sounds alarm on fertilizer prices
As planting season is in full swing across the country, fertilizer prices are burdening farmers and ranchers. Kentucky Farm Bureau president Eddie Melton spoke to the Senate ag committee Tuesday and expressed his concerns. Melton said there are actions Congress can...
Previewing President Trump’s visit to China and ag trade topics
United States President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the President of China, are scheduled to meet this week in Beijing. The meetings will take place on May 14th and 15th with the two sides expected to discuss trade and tariffs, the conflict in Iran and the Strait of...
Iowa lands Vylor seed genetics headquarters
Governor Kim Reynolds today announced that Corteva will locate the global headquarters of Vylor, its future independent seed and genetics company, in Johnston, Iowa, following its planned separation later this year. “With Pioneer’s century-long legacy in seed...
Ernst talks fertilizer costs, trade, and supply chains
Fertilizer supplies and pricing continue to be a major concern for farmers as global tensions and trade uncertainty influence the ag economy heading towards the second half of the growing season. While many producers were able to secure products ahead of spring...
