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Dairy producers in Iowa reminded to obtain 2026 dairy margin coverage by February 26
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 12 and the deadline to enroll is Feb. 26, 2026. “We encourage producers to join the 175 dairy operations in Iowa that have already signed up for this important safety net program in advance of the deadline,” said USDA Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive...
Why discipline matters more than market moves
Risk management is always part of agriculture, but in today’s volatile markets, the fundamentals matter as much as ever, regardless of operation size. Understanding costs, knowing who you are selling to, and being honest about what a balance sheet can withstand are...
Farmer bridge payments on track for release this month
The USDA is on track to deliver the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments to farmers. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, said things are looking good to get that help in the hands of producers this month. Fordyce said...
China’s lockout of U.S. beef continues to be a top issue
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) leaders were on hand as the cattle industry gathered in Nashville for the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention. Top of mind for the industry was the continued lockout of U.S. beef in the China market. USMEF Vice President of Economic...
What to expect in the cattle marketplace in 2026
The cattle industry convention and NCBA trade show was in Nashville Tennessee last week and the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network spoke with Ross Baldwin of AgMarket.net about what to expect in the cattle markets this year. Baldwin tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network that...
Iowa’s Best Burger Contest returns for 2026
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) are proud to announce the return of the Iowa’s Best Burger Contest, inviting Iowans to once again celebrate the state’s favorite beef dish while supporting local restaurants across Iowa....
Stalled renewable fuels growth risks Iowa rural economy
Renewable fuels have been one of the most important demand drivers for Iowa agriculture over the past two decades, helping farmers absorb growing productivity while supporting jobs and investment in rural communities. But industry leaders say that momentum has...
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More Ag News
February WASDE report was as uneventful as expected
After experiencing a very surprising January WASDE report, this month’s report was as quiet as expected. Overall, there really wasn’t much for the markets to react to. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of this month’s report. The report was so...
Increasing farm bankruptcies highlight economic challenges
New data from U.S. court filings indicate farm bankruptcy has risen again. This is yet another indicator that we are experiencing a struggling farm economy. Samantha Ayoub, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the data paints a stark picture of...
Adoption of precision dairy technologies
Most row crop farmers are very aware of and knowledgeable about precision agriculture technology. However, animal agriculture is quickly adopting more precision agriculture technology and that extends into the dairy industry. USDA research economist Johnathan McFadden...
Farm bankruptcies continued climbing in 2025
A new American Farm Bureau Market Intel Report said Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies increased for the second year in a row, reaching 315 filings in 2025, a 46 percent increase from 2024. The Midwest and Southeast filed 121 and 105 Chapter 12 cases, respectively, far...
Why discipline matters more than market moves
Risk management is always part of agriculture, but in today’s volatile markets, the fundamentals matter as much as ever, regardless of operation size. Understanding costs, knowing who you are selling to, and being honest about what a balance sheet can withstand are...
