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Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral
For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a rural ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The December reading hit 50.1, its highest level since July 2025, and was up from November’s 44.0. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to...
Lenders want clear plans as farmers seek 2026 credit
Farmers are already looking ahead to the next growing season, and that means it is time to start preparing for an operating line of credit for 2026. Lenders want to see more than a basic snapshot of your plans. They want a clear picture of how you intend to manage the...
A growing season of variability in Iowa
Each growing season is different and the growing season in Iowa this year has been defined by a wide range of outcomes. Yields across the state have varied based on several conditions but primarily rainfall timing and disease pressure. The growing season got off to...
Used cooking oil still negatively affecting soybean oil prices
The Trump administration continues to delay the release of the final rules for the 45z tax credit, which is allowing used cooking oil to remain as a thorn in the side of the soybean oil industry. Kenan Layden, hedging strategist with AgMarket.Net, said the delay is...
AFBF Thanksgiving Survey shows slightly lower costs in 2025
Every year, volunteer shoppers from the American Farm Bureau Federation help determine the average cost of feeding ten people for a Thanksgiving meal. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Cost Survey results show a slight dip in costs this year....
Iowa State Fair economic and community impact study results
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the state's largest event and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. A 2025 study conducted by Johnson Consulting found that the economic impact from the Iowa State Fair...
Naig Highlights Iowas Role in Americas 250th
Iowa is already looking ahead to 2026 and the celebration of America's 250th birthday. While most people are not thinking that far down the road, state leaders are, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has been asked to help guide how our state will take part...
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Cattle supplies in the U.S. remain tight
Cattle supplies blamed for high beef prices remain tight, according to the latest USDA cattle reports. That’s USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell who says that all of the data on cattle shows just how low supplies are right now. He points to several factors that...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-27-25)
Planting progress in South America continues as the global market situation continues to shake up the U.S. grain marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for both Brazil and Argentina. As pod fill approaches for the...
How will proposed H-2A changes impact farmers and farmworkers?
In late September, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it was lowering the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate, better known as AEWR. If the interim rule is adopted, it means rates will drop to around $1.80 an hour in Idaho, $2.10 in Oregon, and nearly $2.50 an hour in...
Weekly exports of soybeans and corn decline
Data from the USDA said that inspections of soybeans and corn for offshore delivery declined week to week, while wheat assessments increased during the week ending on November 20. Soybean inspections were reported at almost 800,000 metric tons, down from the 1.21...
Passing the heart of Thanksgiving from one generation to another
Thanksgiving is one of those rare holidays that feels familiar before it even begins. It starts with the smell of the food, the sound of the parade, and the rhythm of a day that never really changes. Growing up on the farm, we did not have to travel far. My...
