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45z tax credit is almost across the finish line
The public comment period on the 45z tax credit proposal is ending on April 5th. Since this legislation has been in the works for so long, it’s incredibly important for producers to speak up on what they want to see in it. Mitchell Hora, founder of Continuum Ag, said his company has been working hard to get the 45z tax credit over the finish line. The proposed rule was finally published in February. Hora said that, while we have strong advocates for 45z here in Iowa, the next steps lie with...
Innovations advancing real Christmas tree popularity
Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity over the years but innovations in the real Christmas tree industry in the last decade have provided a surge in popularity for the real deal. Christmas tree grower John Tillman of Washington state says recent...
Naig says farmers use crop protection tools responsibly
As Iowa agriculture looks back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, another major topic that shaped conversation this year was the Make America Healthy Again report, often referred to as MAHA. While the report addressed many issues farmers care about, just like consumers do, it...
Lawmakers divided on whether Farm Bill can be passed in 2026
Congressional Republicans plan to revive stalled farm bill negotiations in January after failing to pass a new measure by year’s end, extending uncertainty for farmers facing high costs, inflation and trade disruptions. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T....
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-23-25)
As the calendar year wraps up, the markets are paying a lot of attention to the weather down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the next two weeks will be critical for the crops in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is...
USMCA renegotiation is a big opportunity for U.S. agriculture
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is up for review in 2026, and updating the agreement has the potential to benefit U.S. farmers. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said preparations are already underway....
Breaking down the USDA December Cattle on Feed Report
While the overall number of cattle in the United States remains at extremely low levels, the trend of lower cattle inventories in feedlots is continuing. That is reflected in the December USDA Cattle on Feed Report says USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell....
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U.S. Export Sales Report (1-8-26)
Now that the USDA is caught up on export sales, we can go back to focusing on weekly reports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this week’s corn numbers slipped slightly, but that just means they are more normal for this time of year. McBride said the...
Farmers can tune in to AFBF convention online
The American Farm Bureau Federation Convention is coming soon to Anaheim, California. While the convention is always best when attended live, there are multiple livestream opportunities for people who can’t travel to California this year. Niki Jones, director of event...
Ag and biofuel groups step up call for year-round E15 sales
More than 70 biofuel and ag groups have joined together to renew the call for Congress to pass year-round E15 legislation. The renewed push for legislation comes as Congress reconvenes and is powered by the legislation nearly being passed in Congress last year....
USDA releases new dietary guidelines for Americans
The Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, marking what the agencies call a significant reset of federal nutrition policy. They said the new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the...
Iowa Farm Act brings Iowa Ag voices to the Capitol
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is introducing a new concept aimed at bringing focus to agricultural policy in the state. The proposal, known as the Iowa Farm Act, is designed to bundle a wide range of...
