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Grain markets anticipating two major USDA reports
This week will bring us two of the biggest USDA reports of the year- the June Quarterly Grain Stocks and Acreage reports. This gives us the first glance into what the 2026 crop should actually look like. Micheal Weidner, director of grain origination and producer strategy at Landus Cooperative, said this is a busy time for the grain markets. Here in Iowa, we have seen plenty of rain recently. While this has led to some replanting in parts of the state, Weidner said the markets are feeling good...
USMEF honoring recipients of two prestigious awards
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2024 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 7th at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Nick Giordano, the former lead lobbyist for the National Pork...
Seed technology advancements helping growers stay one step ahead
With a very wet start to the growing season followed by an extremely dry and warm finish in August and September, the weather has thrown a lot of curveballs at growers this year. Eric Bartels is a northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist, and he says that advancements...
Distressed agricultural borrowers get $250 million in USDA assistance
The Department of Agriculture announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. With the assistance more than 4,600 producers across the country will...
Nutrien makes multi-year commitment to FFA
Later this week the National FFA convention will be expected to hit a record attendance in Indianapolis. More than 70,000 students from all over the country are set to assemble to discuss agricultural leadership and gain more insight into leadership training and the...
Pioneer brand Brock Purdy jerseys raise money for scholarships for Iowa ag students
When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy recently appeared in a commercial for the Pioneer brand wearing a custom Pioneer green Brock Purdy jersey, it led to a simple question from viewers. “Where can I get a Pioneer branded Brock Purdy jersey?” This led to an...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-18-24)
Export sales are continuing their positive trend, but pressure is building in the marketplace from both harvest and the rain in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. McBride said the flash sales have continued to be...
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Egg and chicken production down in 2024
A new report from USDA sheds light on chicken and egg production in the U.S. last year. The USDA released its annual Chicken and Eggs Summary this week, which presents data on the number of egg layers, egg production, and the total U.S. chicken inventory as of...
A strong knowledge base is key to navigating a difficult economy
As the threat of potential tariffs looms, the economic outlook is uncertain. Many people are attempting to make financial plans that will hopefully help navigate market volatility. However, Matt Roberts, chief planning officer at Syverson Strege, said a disciplined...
Mild Iowa winter could lead to insect pressure
Despite the recent snowfall and extreme cold, the state of Iowa is in the midst of a relatively mild winter by Iowa’s standards. While day-to-day life is helped by mild winter weather, it can also have negative knock-on effects for the 2025 growing season. Adrienne...
Legislation would allow year-round E15 sale
Senators Chuck Grassley and Deb Fischer of Iowa, both Senate Ag Committee members, reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation is currently the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of E15, which would...
Farmers must understand macroeconomy to secure their future
For generations, farmers have focused on weather patterns, soil health, and market prices, but today, they realize that the broader macroeconomy plays a crucial role in their success. Interest rates, inflation, and global trade policies now shape everything from input...
