Top Stories
Costs going higher in 2027
USDA's latest Commodity Cost and Returns report shows production expenses are expected to climb for every major crop in 2026 as global energy and fertilizer market disruptions continue to ripple through agriculture. The report follows months of volatility tied to conflict involving Iran and concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher fertilizer costs are adding pressure to already tight farm margins. The findings mirror a recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey in which...
Soybean meal exports set a new record
U.S. soy remains America’s number one agricultural export, adding $31.2 billion to the U.S. economy in marketing year 2023-2024. Total soy export volumes were down from the prior year at 60.8 million metric tons, partly due to fewer carry-in stocks and the expansion...
EPA working on outreach with Farmers
Frequently, we find ourselves scratching our heads about AG’s relationship with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More often than not, regulations and interpretations of their authority have ended up in the country's courtrooms. It’s been a strained...
A surprisingly active December WASDE report to end the calendar year
The December WASDE report, which is normally rather tame, was surprisingly active this time around. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the numbers were almost definitively bullish for this month’s report. When you consider the fantastic demand for U.S....
Extension professionals getting their boots dirty to support farmers
The National Pork Board’s Swine Extension and Outreach Professionals Group is made up of university professors and-or extension professionals at U.S. colleges and universities. Sarah Schieck-Boelke, swine extension educator at the University of Minnesota, says this...
Grassley sees improved farm bill chances in next Congress
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that a new Congress and unified party control should improve the chances of a new five-year farm bill in 2025. Grassley says that hardline GOP budget hawks in the House had an excuse this year not to give the Speaker...
USGC issues corn harvest quality report
The U.S. Grains Council’s 2024-2025 Corn Harvest Quality Report says the 2024 U.S. corn crop is projected to be the third largest on record with the highest 100-kernel weight in the history of the report. The 2024 crop also has lower broken corn and foreign material...
Video
More Ag News
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...
Secretary Naig Presents 2025 Ag Leader Awards
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig this week recognized three organizations and one business that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success of Iowa agriculture. The honorees received awards during the 13th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on...
