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USDA farm diesel relief payments expected after November election
Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election. USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging harvest season. USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce told Reuters that payments could begin closer to the end of the year, although the department has not established a firm distribution schedule. Fuel remains a significant...
Satellite technology gives farmers another perspective
Weather has always been one of agriculture's biggest wild cards, but today's farmers have more information than ever before to help them understand what is happening in their fields and around the world. Beyond the forecast on your phone or the rain gauge outside the...
Barn owls take the night shift to protect farms from rodents
Today, more farmers are taking advantage of barn owls for rodent control on their farms. Jennifer Ackerman, an ornithologist and author, discussed what makes barn owls so effective for pest management. She said that barn owls are excellent rodent hunters and a better...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-21-26)
Not much has changed in the weather patterns for Brazil and Argentina, as the conditions are still defined by a lack of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. While the dry weather normally allows...
Nominations open for the 2026 Iowa Agribusiness Impact Award
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Iowa Agribusiness Impact Award, which recognizes individuals, businesses, or initiatives making a meaningful and lasting impact on Iowa’s agricultural economy, rural communities, or...
Grassley discusses prospect of farmer aid payments to offset Iran war price hikes
Farmers have been vocal in their opposition to farm assistance payments from the federal government, preferring to sell their goods in the marketplace. That is the opinion of United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) who was asked on Tuesday about the House...
Tariff uncertainty continues to cloud trade outlook
Trade policy remains a major focus for businesses and commodity markets as uncertainty continues surrounding U.S. tariffs. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act...
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Iowa farmers closely watching August WASDE and crop reports
The August WASDE and crop reports will be published by USDA on Wednesday August 12th and will feature the latest USDA yield estimates and updated acreage numbers. The reports will be published at 11:00 AM central time on Wednesday. Eric Relph of Commstock Investments...
China steps up U.S. soybean purchases ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
China has increased purchases of U.S. soybeans following a May summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, providing a boost for American soybean exporters. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported China purchased 238,000 metric tons of...
Iowa producers welcome meat export recovery
Although U.S. beef exports were slightly lower in volume in June, export value was higher than a year ago. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. beef exports are benefiting from strong demand in countries like Taiwan and parts of Latin America. Growing demand...
Iowa cattle producers can turn calf health into sale-day value
Calves in today’s market are bringing strong prices, but what you put into them only pays off if buyers recognize it. With calves representing a high-value investment, new auction data shows buyers are willing to pay more when calves have a clear health history. Chris...
Boozman: Farm bill work resumes in September
The Senate farm bill remains stalled as lawmakers head into the August recess, with a disagreement over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program continuing to hold up progress. At the center of the dispute are new requirements tied to state SNAP error...
