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Big Bad Joe shatters previous record to win 2026 ISF Big Ram Competition
"Big Bad Joe," the Suffolk ram shown by Jim Fisher of Mercer, MO, is the 2026 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition winner weighing in at 568 pounds. Big Bad Joe shattered the previous Iowa State Fair record of 507.5 pounds which was set in 2014. Owner Jim Fisher says that Big Bad Joe has gained size quickly in the last two years. Fisher says that Joe lost weight on the trip to the Iowa State Fair due to heat and stress but he still managed to smash the Iowa State Fair record, and he could be in...
With margins tight for farmers, precision spraying technology makes a big difference
As harvest wraps up, the average person not involved in agriculture might think farming is done for a while. However, as every farmer knows, farming might be done for this growing season, but it’s already time to start thinking about next spring. Bryce Baker of PTx...
Secretary Naig urges CARB to quickly implement E15 to benefit California drivers
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig submitted formal comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging swift action to make E15 available to California drivers. CARB is currently evaluating its implementation plan for allowing the sale of E15, a...
Will EPA back rural America or Big Oil?
As the push for higher ethanol blends accelerates, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says some of the most important decisions still ahead rest with the Environmental Protection Agency. She says the way EPA handles small refinery exemptions, reallocation, and long-term...
Food Bank of Iowa receives fourth annual Meat the Need donation
This morning, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Farm Bureau delivered 25,000 pounds of protein to the Food Bank of Iowa for the fourth consecutive year of the Meat the Need initiative. The donation will provide 100,000 servings of high-quality protein to Iowans who are food...
Applications open for 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program
USDA announced it is now accepting applications for the 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the program, first announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in late September, was authorized...
Nationwide E15 legislation could be on the table in near future
As we approach the tail end of the year, little opposition remains to year-round E15 sales. The biggest issue holding back legislation at the federal level is an opportunity to move an E15 bill through Congress says the Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-26)
Right now is the short timeframe in which the crops in both Brazil and Argentina are in the critical yield determining phase. As a result, the weather is a huge focal point for the global grain markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather forecast...
Latest outlook on soybean oil
While much of the focus in the USDA WASDE reports centers on row crops such as corn and soybeans, the reports also help provide a snapshot of the situation for various products such as soybean oil. The most recent WASDE report for January helps to detail the current...
Farmland values enter a new phase
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady...
Ernst says loan delays hurt Iowa growth
Farmers and rural businesses across Iowa are facing growing challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Tight margins, lower commodity prices, and rising input costs are colliding with loan processes that many lenders say have become increasingly difficult to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-15-26)
As we end off a busy week of government reports, the weekly export sales came in with plenty of activity. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown of the weekly report. China has nearly completed its obligation to purchase U.S. soybeans, so the markets...
