Top Stories
USDA soybean oil export outlook raises concerns about market volatility
New USDA projections for soybean oil exports are increasing concerns about price volatility in agricultural markets as demand tied to renewable fuels continues reshaping the soybean sector. Analysts with the University of said the government’s first 2026-27 soybean outlook projects stronger domestic soybean crushing and growing soybean oil exports, while overall soybean ending stocks are expected to remain tighter than many traders anticipated. The report said increased reliance on soybean oil...
DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are...
Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking...
TQA certification promotes efficient and safe animal handling
Transport Quality Assurance®, or TQA, focuses on practical, real-world skills that help handlers and drivers move pigs humanely and efficiently. Stephanie Wetter with the National Pork Board says the program is updated every three years to ensure continuous...
Grassley sows doubt on farm bill’s Senate prospects
The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill on April 30th by a 224–200 vote. With passage through the House, this is the furthest a farm bill has advanced since 2018. However, despite passage in the House, the farm bill still has a long way...
U.S. red meat exports were strong in March
March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, concluding a very strong first quarter, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said increased year-over-year to...
Secretary Naig announces first round of 2026 urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the first-round of 2026 urban water quality projects, marking the start of a multi-phase investment that will bring new conservation practices to communities of all sizes across the state. These locally led...
Video
More Ag News
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...
Significant cuts to the U.S. wheat crop defined May’s WASDE report
With how dry it has been in the wheat growing regions of the U.S., many analysts were expecting to see a cut to the new crop wheat production numbers in the May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. This month’s report did show exactly that,...
National Farmers Union endorses “Fertilizer Transparency Act”
American farmers are feeling the pressure of high fertilizer costs, and the National Farmers Union is bringing that message to Capitol Hill. Layla Soberanis, NFU senior government relations representative, said the organization has endorsed a newly introduced bill...
Grassley discusses E15 vote in the House
The United States House of Representatives will vote on year-round E15 legislation this week. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the legislation’s chances of passing in the House. Grassley also discusses what the next step for that legislation...
DOJ continuing investigation into alleged meatpacking antitrust violations
The U.S. Department of Justice is intensifying its investigation into possible antitrust violations in the beef packing industry, prompting renewed calls from ranching groups for greater competition and market transparency. Federal officials said investigators are...
