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Farmers remain cautious about AI technology
Artificial intelligence is becoming a larger part of agriculture, but many farmers remain cautious about adopting the technology, according to the latest Purdue University CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey asked producers about artificial intelligence and data-driven tools for the first time, revealing that many are still uncertain about the value AI can provide to their operations. Agricultural economist Michael Langemeier said researchers were surprised to find that more...
Friendly April WASDE report meets quiet market expectations
With the intense volatility we are experiencing in the ag economy right now, the commodity markets are closely watching every single headline that pops up in the news. Today brought the release of the April WASDE report, which is the first major ag report to be...
Tariff volatility continues with 90-day pause
The past week has been full of tariff whiplash. President Trump yesterday announced a 90-day pause in the reciprocal tariffs in place on many U.S. trading partners. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Ag economist says outlook for ag is not promising
One of the country's leading ag economists says the economic forecast for agriculture in 2025 and beyond does not look promising. Dr. Joe Outlaw, a professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University, says that the forecast for ag in the next five years...
ICPB to hold director elections for USDA crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9
Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program. On July 15, 2025, corn farmers in crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 can vote...
Beef still rules the meat case
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices, beef has defied expectations at the meat counter. Historically, tighter household budgets tend to push consumers toward more affordable proteins like pork and chicken. Yet, in a surprising shift, beef has...
Sticking with financial plans during economic volatility
It’s no secret that the economy is extremely volatile right now. Things were looking pretty grim after President Trump announced his plan for widespread tariffs, and now the markets have shot back up following his announcement today that the retaliatory tariffs will...
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Markets decided to sell off in reaction to July WASDE
There were slight expectations that the USDA would adjust corn yields in this month’s WASDE report, but that did not end up happening. And while the report as a whole was still fundamentally friendly to the marketplace, the commodity prices did not like missing out on...
One Big Beautiful Bill contains both wins and losses for Iowa producers
The reconciliation bill, referred to as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, was signed into law. The reaction across the ag industry was mixed, with many farmers celebrating the tax provisions while also lamenting the cuts to SNAP benefits. Mike Stranz, Vice President of...
Iowa’s wet July fueling foliar disease concerns
The state of Iowa continues to receive persistent rainfall which is leading to near ideal conditions for fungal diseases to flourish. John Long is a retail sales agronomist with Brevant seeds and he covers the southwest and west central portions of Iowa. He says that...
Food spending increases from 2023-2024
USDA says per capita total U.S. food spending increased 3.2 percent from 2023 to 2024, slightly outpacing the 2.3 percent increase in food prices during the same period. That showed a stronger demand for food despite higher prices. However, national trends in sales...
GROWMARK launches the “FS Start to Finish” Brand Campaign
Growmark FS has introduced a new brand campaign, “Start to Finish,” aimed at highlighting the company’s commitment to being a reliable partner throughout every stage of the growing season. Whether it’s selecting the right seed, applying fertility and crop protection...
