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Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs
A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten percent tariff under Section 122 was announced last week after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s widespread use of tariffs, in place since February 2025. “Section 122 only allows tariffs for 150 days without...
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...
Strong opinions on proposed railroad merger
A proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is now before the Surface Transportation Board for possible approval. Mike Steenhoek, the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, called this a “seismic development” for the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-26)
Right now is the short timeframe in which the crops in both Brazil and Argentina are in the critical yield determining phase. As a result, the weather is a huge focal point for the global grain markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather forecast...
Latest outlook on soybean oil
While much of the focus in the USDA WASDE reports centers on row crops such as corn and soybeans, the reports also help provide a snapshot of the situation for various products such as soybean oil. The most recent WASDE report for January helps to detail the current...
Farmland values enter a new phase
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady...
Ernst says loan delays hurt Iowa growth
Farmers and rural businesses across Iowa are facing growing challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Tight margins, lower commodity prices, and rising input costs are colliding with loan processes that many lenders say have become increasingly difficult to...
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Economic issues impact small communities the hardest
Declining farm income, reduced equipment sales, rising inventory and financing pressures, and trade uncertainty all create ripple effects that impact farmers and the communities they are a part of. A recent hearing with the Senate Committee on Small Business and...
U.S. beef attracts global interest at Gulfood show
With support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is promoting U.S. beef at Gulfood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food trade shows, attracting prospective buyers not only...
Cattle on Feed Report shows continuing tight supplies
USDA published the first Cattle on Feed Report of the year on Friday January 23rd with few surprises included. USDA livestock economist Michael McConnell says that tightening cattle and beef supplies were demonstrated in the numbers. McConnell says placements in...
U.S. soy exports continued growing in marketing year 2024-2025
The United States exported 68.7 million metric tons of U.S. soy, which included whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil, during the marketing year 2024-2025. That represents a 12.8 percent increase year-over-year and a 2.95 percent gain over the five-year...
Iowa farmers unlikely to see diesel relief from Venezuelan oil
Recent headlines surrounding Venezuela and its oil supply have raised questions across rural America, especially after the United States intervened in the country, removed a leader many viewed as a dictator, and announced it would temporarily control Venezuela’s oil...
