Top Stories
China soybean demand offers support for U.S. exports
Fresh soybean purchases by China are providing some encouragement for U.S. growers. The Wall Street Journal reports Chinese buyers have begun placing new orders for U.S. soybeans currently being planted. USDA officials say they remain optimistic China will meet previously announced purchasing commitments during the 2026 marketing year. The renewed demand comes as U.S. farmers face increased competition from record South American production. Analysts say Chinese purchases could help support...
FFA hits a record high of one million members
If it feels like you see more blue-corduroy jackets around these days, you’re right. The National FFA Organization recently announced that it has set a record with over one million members. The total is now 1,027,273- an 8.6 percent year-over-year increase. Kristy...
Clean Fuels Alliance partners with PepsiCo for a B100 Fleet
For decades we have been touting the benefits of ethanol and biodiesel. Not only is it renewable and cheaper than standard fuels, it is also better for the environment. That is why we are seeing more conversions to high blends of biofuels across the country. It adds...
Practical Farmers of Iowa encouraging farmers to reduce nitrogen applications
Enrollment is now open for the Practical Farmers of Iowa N Rate Risk Protection Program. Both farmers who are experienced and farmers who are new to reducing rates are eligible to lower their financial risk due to reduced nitrogen application. Chelsea Ferrie, PFI’s...
Suspended dockworkers strike more reason for new farm bill
The East and Gulf Coast dockworkers strike has been suspended until January 15th and it is yet another reason producers need a new farm bill. The International Longshoremen’s Association ordered its members back to work after their three-day work stoppage while...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa dairy innovation grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the availability of Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, and welcomed grant applications for projects that will increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce farm labor costs, and expand the availability of Iowa...
Pork can be a nutritious meal solution for busy parents
Simple Feeders is one of the seven segments of the National Pork Board’s Consumer Connect in-depth research identified as a priority segment for growth potential. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition with the National Pork Board, said convenience is a...
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More Ag News
Strong South American harvest facing a few challenges
South America’s agricultural sector is having a strong year, with high yields boosting expectations for tomorrow’s WASDE report. Markets anticipate impressive numbers, reflecting strong grain and oilseed production across the region. However, weather challenges,...
U.S. red meat exports thrived in 2024
Exports of U.S. pork eclipsed previous highs in both volume and value in 2024, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value climbed 5% from 2023 despite a slight decrease in volume, as unit...
Early season weed control in corn
Having clean fields as corn plants emerge will get the crop off to the best possible start. Phil Krieg, an agronomy service representative with Syngenta, says early-season weeds fundamentally alter corn growth from the very beginning of the growing season. Krieg...
Expanding the reach of the National FFA Organization
FFA alum Aaron Wetzel recently took over as the 2025 Chairman of the National FFA Sponsors’ Board. Wetzel is the Vice President of Production and Precision Agriculture with John Deere, where he’s spent over 35 years. Wetzel said technological curiosity will be a big...
Farm sector profits to grow in 2025
USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts inflation-adjusted U.S. net cash farm income, defined as gross cash income minus cash expenses, to increase by $30.6 billion from 2024 to $193.7 billion in 2025. U.S. net farm income, a broader measure of farm sector...
