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Ernst talks fertilizer costs, trade, and supply chains
Fertilizer supplies and pricing continue to be a major concern for farmers as global tensions and trade uncertainty influence the ag economy heading towards the second half of the growing season. While many producers were able to secure products ahead of spring planting, questions are already beginning to build about fertilizer availability and pricing for fall application and the 2027 crop year. I spoke with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst about those concerns, including domestic fertilizer...
AFBF details 2024 priorities ahead of annual convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has a myriad of policy priorities for the new year. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said the top priority is getting a Farm Bill passed in 2024. “Well, it's critical that Congress pass a bipartisan farm bill early this year,”...
Trait technology provides solutions during the growing season
Depending on what a grower is looking for they can choose a corn trait that is more resistant to particular herbicides or provides protection against certain types of insects says Erica Strittmatter, a corn traits marketing lead for Bayer. Strittmatter says that...
U.S. Farmer sentiment stable as inflation expectations subside
Farmer sentiment changed very little in December compared to the preceding month. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a reading of 114, just one point lower than a month earlier. Both sub-indices of the barometer, the Index of Current...
John Deere Planters & Air Seeder lineup is ready to tackle 2024
With the new year, we know it won’t be long until the planters are getting ready to roll in 2024. Sure, it seems like a while off, but time seems to slip right on past. As you are getting ready for that next growing season, you might be thinking that now is the time...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-2-24)
South America is still thirsty for some rain, especially in Brazil, and it looks like those prayers might get answered over the next couple of weeks. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina....
Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
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Ethanol industry eyeing 2025 Clean Fuel Tax Credit for SAF
The ethanol industry is keeping a close eye on the pending Treasury Department Clean Fuel Tax Credit, a key for sustainable aviation fuel after a just-finished credit quickly expires. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp said the now final 45 B tax credit for...
International Longshoreman’s Association contract talks at standstill
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor...
U.S. cattle herd contraction continues
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report was published on Friday June 21st and is considered somewhat bearish when compared to the industry’s pre-report estimates. The June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not feature any big surprises, but the placements number was up...
Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa flooding
Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The letter requests activation of the Federal...
USDA hopes to level poultry playing field in Packers & Stockyard changes
Many lawmakers, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, have advocated for upgrades to the Packers & Stockyards Act. This bill is over a hundred years old and currently needs an upgrade for modern times. While it has been a source of geographical contention for...
