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Farmers weigh fungicide against tight margins
Even with crops looking good across much of Iowa, many producers are still facing difficult financial decisions. Depressed commodity prices and elevated input costs continue to squeeze profit margins, forcing farmers to carefully evaluate every input they purchase. Shelbi Nederhoff, Territory Manager with Nutrien Financial, says one of the biggest discussions this summer centers on fungicide applications and whether the investment will provide enough return to protect the bottom line. While...
July WASDE report indicates tight grain supplies
The July WASDE report was projected to be a friendly one, and it turned out to be even more friendly than expected. A significant cut to corn supplies and tightened supplies for soybeans and wheat indicate that there isn’t much leeway for weather issues in the back...
Tracking consumer demand, preferences, and habits with the Meat Demand Monitor
The Meat Demand Monitor (MDM) is a monthly research project that tracks U.S. consumer demand, preferences, attitudes, and purchasing behavior related to meat and protein products. It is led by researchers at Kansas State University and is funded in part by the Beef...
Producer-led Advisory Committee to advance National Swine Health Strategy
The industry’s Swine Health Advisory Committee helps build on what’s working and accelerates action to ensure the National Swine Health Strategy reflects producers’ needs. Paul Ayers, chair of the advisory committee, said producers are working hand in hand with common...
USDA accepts 186,247 acres in Iowa through 2026 Conservation Reserve Program enrollment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 186,247 acres in Iowa into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2026. Through CRP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers agricultural producers and landowners incentive payments for their...
European weather supports wheat prices
The wheat market started the week after the Fourth of July holiday with a strong rally as traders responded to weather concerns in Europe. Although prices have since given back some of those gains, uncertainty surrounding overseas production continues to lend support...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-9-26)
This week’s export sales were mostly within the range of estimates. Both corn and soybeans continue to see a lot of good news in the weekly reports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers were slightly low, but that doesn’t change the positive...
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Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect...
July started with heavy rain but has since dried out
This month has already been a crazy one when it comes to the weather. July started off with unrelenting rainfall across much of central Iowa, but since then it has transitioned to a warm and dry pattern. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist with Landus Cooperative,...
Drought coverage shrinking across most of the U.S
Spring and early summer rainfall has helped to shrink the drought coverage area in the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the U.S. Drought Monitor looks vastly different as of July 7th compared to the drought monitor maps of April 2026. The areas of D3...
Secretary Naig announces urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced four additional urban water quality projects, continuing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) multi-phase investment in locally-led conservation efforts across Iowa communities. This...
May meat exports paint a complex picture
Exports of U.S. beef and pork were held back in May by key market access issues, beginning with suspensions of beef plants in China. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, market access issues in China and Mexico have limited U.S. beef and pork exports....
