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European weather supports wheat prices
The wheat market started the week after the Fourth of July holiday with a strong rally as traders responded to weather concerns in Europe. Although prices have since given back some of those gains, uncertainty surrounding overseas production continues to lend support to the market. While wheat is not a major crop in Iowa, changes in wheat prices can still influence corn markets as traders often move money across multiple grain commodities. Oklahoma State University assistant professor of crop...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-17-26)
The upcoming forecasts for Brazil and Argentina finally contain some rain, and while that is normally appreciated, it can cause harvest delays. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said that shouldn’t be a problem. McBride said harvest in Argentina is...
Midwest set up for beneficial growing conditions
Last week the Midwest and the Corn Belt experienced widespread severe weather with storms, damaging winds, and heavy rains. This week the weather pattern should be more tame but with adequate rainfall still helping crops through critical growth stages says USDA...
Secretary Naig Confirms Iowa’s completion of USDA pseudorabies response protocol
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig confirmed today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has successfully completed the Pseudorabies (PRV) response protocol outlined in the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant...
New report showcases positive impacts of biofuels on ag productivity
U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action's recent report from S&P Global Energy shows biofuels' potential for boosting farm profitability and rural economies. For Chip Bowling, vice chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, expanding the market for biofuels is...
Scouting now helps manage future rootworms
Corn rootworm larvae are already active in many Iowa fields, but much of the damage they cause remains hidden below the soil surface. Agronomists say that makes scouting and monitoring especially important, even when crops appear healthy above ground. Dan Etter, a...
Swine industry is combatting misinformation about California Prop 12
True animal welfare starts with supporting hog producers, not creating legislation to impede their ability to raise their livestock. As swine industry leaders push to get legislation to nullify California Proposition 12 on the Senate version of the farm bill, another...
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Iowa farmers tell story of American beef to Japanese consumers
Two Iowa farms will be the centerpiece of a U.S. beef marketing campaign in Japan. Chance and Shayne Wiese and their 1904 fifth-generation Herefords farm were the first one featured. Shayne shared the story of their farm and acknowledged the rare opportunity to...
Bankruptcy filings signal ongoing farm financial stress
Farm bankruptcies across the country remain at levels not seen since the disruptions of the COVID era, and legal experts say that should concern producers and lenders alike. While the pace of filings this year is similar to last year, that does not mean the farm...
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...
Top takeaways from June Cattle on Feed Report
The June Cattle on Feed Report offers some of the latest trends from the cattle feedlots. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides some details. McConnell explains why there are more cattle in feedlots than a year ago at this time and says a big reason is a...
Costs going higher in 2027
USDA's latest Commodity Cost and Returns report shows production expenses are expected to climb for every major crop in 2026 as global energy and fertilizer market disruptions continue to ripple through agriculture. The report follows months of volatility tied to...
