Top Stories
Looking for profits amid heightened grain market volatility
The markets are already volatile at this time of year, but when you add a few global news headlines on top of that, you get what we are currently seeing in the ag marketplace: chaos, chaos, and more chaos. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer strategy with Landus Cooperative, said everything is combining to create a perfect storm of market volatility. Weidner said the recent reports from the USDA have created a very interesting situation for the grain markets. Weidner...
There’s nothing micro about the importance of micronutrients
Micronutrients play a huge role in the success of our crops, especially here in the Corn Belt. Tim Laatsch, North America director of agronomy with Koch Agronomic Services, said a deficiency in micronutrients impacts the overall health and potential yield of both corn...
Optimizing the planting season for a strong start
Planting season has already started for some of the warmer portions of the United States and it won’t be long before farmers in Iowa cross the start line and begin planting crops. Paul Sauer is a product manager for Helena Ag and covers the northern portion of Iowa....
NPPC Praises Sens. Ernst and Grassley’s efforts to avert pork industry crisis
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement after U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Food Security and Farm...
Dairy’s quiet comeback: Signs of strength and hope ahead
After enduring years of challenges marked by fluctuating prices and shifting consumer trends, the dairy industry has recently shown signs of renewed strength. Improved demand, stabilizing input costs, and a growing global appetite for dairy products have all...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-8-25)
As tariffs continue to shake up the economy, many eyes are on South America to see if the country’s crops will be able to help meet global demand. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said rain has returned to Brazil after a dry spell. McBride said there is a...
Applications open for 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge
The American Farm Bureau Federation and several partner organizations are seeking competitors for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge. Applications are now open for the challenge, which is a national business competition showcasing agricultural-based entrepreneurs and...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-10-25)
This week brought yet another great report for U.S. export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are continuing to impress. Soybeans also had an impressive week and nearly set another weekly record. Rounding out the positive feeling from...
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the...
Rollins shuts down southern ports again
A new case of New World screwworm appeared this week, only 160 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border. USDA had previously announced a risk-based phased-in port reopening strategy for cattle, bison, and equine from Mexico that began on July 7. The new case raises...
Grassley lays out updated farm bill priorities
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill over the 4th of July weekend, attention now turns back once again to the farm bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill contains “major victories for...
Nutrien Financial helps Iowa growers navigate tight margins
As producers work through the heart of the growing season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that tighter margins and rising input costs are putting added strain on farm finances. From fuel to fertilizer, every dollar spent must stretch a little further than it did...
