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Hot and dry weather expected in the Corn Belt
A heat dome is moving northward from Southern California to the Dakotas and the Corn Belt, bringing temperatures more than 10 degrees above average for several days. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill describes the weather across the Corn Belt as hot and dry for the following days. Merrill expects an eventual shift in crop conditions by the end of July. However, he remains calm and is yet to sound the alarm. With the emphasis on crop conditions, it is important to remember that your...
How Prospective Plantings estimates compare to trade expectations
On Monday USDA published the much-anticipated Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer explains where the USDA’s Prospective Plantings forecasts fall within the range of trade expectations. Meyer says that the...
Poultry markets strong but face headwinds
Improved economic conditions in many regions, together with ongoing high prices for other proteins, make poultry an attractive option for worldwide consumers. Rabobank says global consumption growth is predicted to reach 2.5 to three percent this year. This marks the...
Rollins pushes biofuel support, energy independence at Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner
The fight over biofuels in Washington continues, with policymakers debating renewable fuel standards and support for ethanol and biodiesel. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the issue Monday night at the Ag Leaders Dinner in Ankeny, Iowa, emphasizing...
Overuse of Bt corn is harmful to overall effectiveness
Corn rootworm is the number one pest that corn growers have to manage every single year. For years, one of the top rootworm management tools has been Bt corn. However, due to widespread usage, the effectiveness of Bt corn has decreased over time. Something needs to be...
Brooke Rollins discusses potential trade disruption payments for farmers
During her visit to the state of Iowa on Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed the possibility of payments to farmers impacted by trade disruptions and tariffs. On Tuesday, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) confirmed that Rollins addressed the...
Grains would see cost increases with proposed USTR fees
The proposed actions by the US Trade Representative on foreign-built and foreign-flagged ships entering US ports have raised concerns among farmers. Fees up to $1.5 million on ships arriving at US ports, if the ships are Chinese, built, operated or flagged would hit...
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Big Beautiful Bill receives final approval from U.S. House
President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is done and headed the Independence Day signing that he was looking for. After a lengthy process, farmers will now get updated reference prices; improved crop insurance, livestock, and trade programs; and key tax breaks. House...
Grassley says reconciliation bill contains “key wins for farmers”
On Thursday the United States House of Representatives passed the reconciliation bill by a vote of 218-214. The bill was unchanged from the Senate’s version which passed earlier in the week. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) opened his weekly conference call...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-3-25)
The latest U.S. Export Sales Report had good numbers for both corn and soybeans as we head into an extended holiday weekend. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers might look lower, but they’re still performing better than the average. McBride...
Family farmers don’t get much independence on July Fourth
As Americans fire up their grills on Independence Day, the National Farmers Union highlights how little independence family farmers have in the marketplace. The “Farmers’ Share of the Food Dollar,” released this week, highlights how little family farmers earn compared...
Hogs also at risk in screwworm battle
The USDA has announced plans to reopen the southern border to cattle and bison imports in a phased approach, signaling progress in the effort to control the New World Screwworm threat. This move comes as positive news for the livestock industry, particularly cattle...
