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Fertilizer, diesel costs remain elevated heading into fall
Fertilizer and diesel prices remain well above recent-year levels, adding pressure to farmers making fall input decisions for the 2027 crop. USDA data analyzed by the University of Illinois shows anhydrous ammonia averaged $915.50 per ton on August 7, up 16 percent from a year ago. DAP averaged $912.22 per ton, seven percent higher than last year. Potash prices have been more stable, averaging about $500 per ton. Diesel has been more volatile. After reaching nearly $5.50 per gallon in May, the...
NFU responds to government efforts to lower beef prices
Following President Trump’s comments about importing beef from Argentina to lower prices for American consumers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew reaffirmed the need to strengthen fairness and competition within the U.S. beef industry rather than rely...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
Feenstra talks farm economy investments from Trump tax cuts
There’s been discussion recently about potential farm economy investments that could result from some tax cuts made by President Trump. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said he’s advocating for benefits like new export markets, among other changes. Feenstra said new...
China proposes a tariff-drop swap with Canada
The Chinese Ambassador recently told a Canadian national television audience that his country is willing to remove its tariffs on Canada’s pork products, seafood, and, by far the largest of the categories, canola oil, seed, and meal if Canada drops its 100 percent...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
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Specialty crop growers feeling left out
In a time of financial stress for many farmers across the country, the $12 billion bridge assistance payments that were recently announced are welcome relief for many. However, $11 billion dollars of the relief payments are being distributed to row crop farmers,...
USDA launches final phase of 2025 ag resource management study
Beginning later this month, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. The agency will be conducting its third and final phase of the 2025...
Impacts of Argentina’s export tax cut
It was recently announced that Argentina cut its export tax by 2%, which creates even more of a price gap with U.S. soybean prices. However, the global demand situation is too complex to trade just on prices alone. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the...
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act nearing finish line
A key piece of legislation aimed at growing healthier kids in American classrooms took a big step toward becoming law. Both legislative chambers have now passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, meaning the bill is nearly across the finish line. Danny Munch, an...
Fertility management takes priority as margins tighten
Farmers heading into the next growing season are facing a familiar challenge. Input costs remain elevated, margins are tight, and uncertainty in the broader economy continues to weigh on nearly every decision made on the farm. In an environment like this, agronomists...
