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Farm incomes drop despite abundant harvests
Farm incomes generally decreased across the Federal Reserve Bank’s Ninth District. That’s according to lenders responding to the fourth quarter Ag Credit Survey by the Minneapolis Fed. Lenders also reported that purchases of capital inputs fell, though farm household spending continues to edge up. Demand for loans increased, while the rate of loan repayment dropped, and loan renewal and extension activity increased. Interest rates for agricultural loans fell notably. Land values in the...
Healthy Milk for Kids Act may add $2 billion in dairy demand
The signing of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act by President Trump last week marks a significant change in federal school nutrition policy, restoring whole and two percent milk as options in school meal programs. Supporters say the move aligns federal guidelines with...
USMEF aiding response to Mexico’s anti-dumping probe
Mexico in December launched an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation on pork hams and shoulders. According to U.S Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror, USMEF is assisting exporters in providing information to Mexican...
Tariff ruling could have big implications for agriculture
A decision from the Supreme Court is expected any day regarding the legality of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, and that decision could have immense implications. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist for StoneX Group, said the Trump Administration does...
Breaking down the numbers in USDA’s January meat outlook
USDA recently issued its first projections this year for meat production and prices. For the most part, increased production and price forecasts for the prior month are on display in the USDA January meat outlook. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark...
Brazil passes U.S. as top beef producer
Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reuters said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat...
Agribusiness Association of Iowa to host 2026 Showcase
As Iowa agriculture continues to navigate market uncertainty, global competition, and ongoing policy debates, industry leaders will soon have an opportunity to step back and focus on the broader picture. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa’s annual Showcase and...
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E15 legislation fix remains a priority issue for Midwest lawmakers
Midwest lawmakers made a strong push to include a legislative fix for year-round E15 sales to be included in the government funding bill, only for the House to drop E15 from the House appropriations bill at the last minute. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)...
Ethanol production drops from a record high
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol output dropped during the seven days ending on January 15. Production of the biofuel fell to an average of 1.119 million barrels a day, down from 1.196 million barrels the previous week, which was the highest level...
New technology allows for collection and direct application of pollen
Earlier this month, PowerPollen and Oxbo announced the first mechanized pollination solution for corn seed production. As we head into the 2026 growing season, this will allow seed companies to directly purchase, integrate, and scale the system. Jason Cope, co-founder...
Iowa farmers press E15 message as President Trump visits
As President Trump visits the Des Moines metro today with a focus on energy, the economy, and affordability, Iowa agriculture leaders are watching closely. While the visit brings renewed attention to biofuels, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the message from...
Weather may be more impactful than Cattle on Feed report
Last week’s Cattle on Feed Report didn’t appear to be a market mover. Kyle Bumsted, a livestock market analyst from Allendale, said the report had a very neutral tone. Bumsted said there were signs of early heifer retention late last year, but that doesn’t appear to...
