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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 grandparents lived only three-quarters of a mile away, and the farms were connected by an old field road that felt like a private highway just for our family. The drive took only a couple of minutes, but even as a kid, it felt like a...
Feenstra talks farm economy investments from Trump tax cuts
There’s been discussion recently about potential farm economy investments that could result from some tax cuts made by President Trump. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said he’s advocating for benefits like new export markets, among other changes. Feenstra said new...
China proposes a tariff-drop swap with Canada
The Chinese Ambassador recently told a Canadian national television audience that his country is willing to remove its tariffs on Canada’s pork products, seafood, and, by far the largest of the categories, canola oil, seed, and meal if Canada drops its 100 percent...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
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Digging into the relationship between crop yields and soil fertility
At the end of harvest season, growers do not have much time to take a break and enjoy the hard work of the growing season. It’s also the time when farmers begin to start building a plan for next year. A big portion of crop yield is tied directly to soil fertility...
Former ISU professor to receive prestigious USMEF award
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2025 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 13 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted...
Secretary Naig, Governor Reynolds encourage farmers to plant fall cover crops
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds are encouraging Iowa farmers to plant cover crops this fall to improve water quality and save money on next year’s crop insurance premiums. The savings are offered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture...
Experts doubt Argentina beef plan will have significant benefit
The Trump administration is proposing to increase beef imports from Argentina as a way to balance supplies and bring relief to consumers facing high prices. However, many in the livestock industry say the move would do little to address the core issues driving the...
Canada believes tariffs will continue despite upcoming hearing
President Donald Trump said that he, personally, wants to attend next month’s Supreme Court hearing on his tariff policies. Beginning November 5th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether the president can unilaterally impose tariffs under emergency...
