Top Stories
Cutting input costs key for Iowa farmers
As farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, managing input costs remains a top priority. With tighter margins across much of agriculture, many producers are looking for ways to improve efficiency while still protecting yield potential. Shane Brockhoff, who works with Meristem Crop Performance in southwest Iowa, says the company’s mission centers on helping farmers remove unnecessary costs from crop production while maintaining strong crop performance. One way the company works toward that...
Cooperative Iowa weather has led to rapid crop growth
This year’s weather has been mostly outstanding for the crops, and that is easy to see when you look at your nearest corn and soybean fields. Too much rapid growth can cause problems, however, and Iowa farmers are seeing that this year. David Hoy, northeast Iowa...
Grassley sees Section 301 as back-up if courts block Trump tariffs
Brazil has been a hot topic in United States ag policy in recent months, and United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that is justified. Senator Grassley says that the Section 301 probe just launched against Brazil is needed in case President Trump’s tariffs,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-20-25)
It’s been dry for so long in South America that it’s almost time already for the next planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said harvest in Brazil is getting close to...
Oil group challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits
A top U.S. oil trade group is opposing a government proposal to cut incentives for biofuel imports. The group joined multiple organizations in pushing back against the administration’s resolve to keep the policy in the months ahead. The criticism will force the Trump...
Wehrbein: Market highs bring relief and uncertainty
Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health...
Keeping pigs cool during hot summer months
During the hot Iowa summer months, it is highly important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark Oberreuter, ag engineer at Automated Production, said pigs are just as susceptible to heat...
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Pork producers can’t forget about the dangers of African Swine Fever
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant when it comes to foreign animal diseases. Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for the National Pork Board, said they’re keeping an eye on multiple diseases, including African Swine Fever. Petersen said African...
EU looking to further delay deforestation regulation
The European Commission has once again begun the process to delay implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said that is good news for the U.S., as the U.S. and several EU countries...
Agribusiness retailers facing uncertainty amid trade war
The trade war between the United States and many of its top trade partners has created tariff uncertainty for agribusiness across the United States. Charles Baron is a co-founder of Farmers Business Network and says the unknowns of the trade war has created hurdles...
USDA issues second assistance payment to producers
The USDA will issue a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payment to eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. Of the authorized $10 billion in ECAP assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already provided over $8 billion in payments to eligible...
From global shocks to local fields: Farmers pay the price
From war zones to shipping lanes, the ripple effects of geopolitical tension are reaching all the way back to Iowa’s farm gates. Farmers aren’t just watching world headlines for grain prices anymore—they’re also seeing how conflicts, trade disputes, and policy shifts...
