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Learning from 2025 to build a better 2026
It’s been one of those Iowa harvests that went smoothly overall, but it gave us a clear look at any shortcomings we had this year. Early planting conditions looked ideal, but as the summer wore on, humidity, storms, and disease pressures really started to challenge fields across the state. Now that the combines are wrapping up, it’s time to take a step back and look at what we learned this year and how we can build a stronger plan heading into 2026. FEATURED CONVERSATION WITH JIM MCDERMOTT:...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-28-25)
While we wait to hear more official news about President Trump’s Argentine beef import plan, farmers in South America are rolling along with planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns in Brazil and Argentina....
Increasing opportunities for U.S. pork in South Korea
South Korea ranks as the fifth-largest market for U.S. pork year-to-date. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, said strong consumer demand in South Korea is expected to keep growing, which could move the country...
Trade talks boost grain markets ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
Following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s preliminary negotiations with Chinese trade officials, the grain markets have rallied significantly ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping of China. Commodity broker Joe Camp of Commstock...
Bessent: deal set for China to begin importing U.S. Soybeans
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects that China won’t impose export controls on rare earth mineral exports, and the U.S. won’t impose 100 percent tariffs on China. During separate interviews over the weekend, Bessent said trade negotiations with China have...
Naig says Congress has wasted enough time
As the government shutdown drags into its twenty-eighth day, frustration across the country is boiling over. From farmers waiting on FSA offices to reopen, to families relying on SNAP benefits, real Americans are paying the price while Congress remains stuck in its...
October is National Manufacturing Month
October is National Manufacturing Month, and manufacturers are incredibly important for the ag industry. Manufacturing is also a big part of Iowa’s economy, with over 220,000 Iowans employed in the manufacturing industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said...
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More Ag News
IPPA and Fareway donate ground pork to Food Bank of Iowa
Over the past two days, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Fareway Stores made a donation of $20,000 worth of ground pork to six regional food banks across Iowa and western Nebraska. The donations were made as part of an ongoing effort to fight food...
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing attempts to address high input costs
A Senate Judiciary hearing was held on Tuesday to attempt to address high input costs for farmers from seed prices to fertilizer costs. American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland told Judiciary lawmakers some recommendations for driving down fertilizer...
Helena highlights ag innovation on screen and in classrooms with new documentary series
Helena Agri-Enterprises announced today the documentary series Innovation Never Stops at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thousands of teachers and students received an advance look at the nine-part video series debuting next week,...
Iowa Farm Bureau member testifies in front of Senate Judiciary Committee
As rising input costs continue to burden rural America, lawmakers are finally taking notice. An Iowa Farm Bureau member was able to share his perspective at a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the high costs of inputs. Noah Coppess, who farms near Stanwood,...
China’s return offers hope but little market movement
There is finally some good news for U.S. soybean growers as China has stepped back into the market. The purchase is not a large one, but it marks the first notable move in months and offers a small sign of progress in a strained trade relationship. For many farmers,...
