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Fertilizer price probe opens as farm margins tighten
The Federal Trade Commission has opened an industrywide investigation into fertilizer prices after sharp increases during spring planting. Reuters reported that FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the agency is using civil investigative demands to gather documents and testimony. The probe comes as growers face higher fertilizer and fuel costs, drought in parts of the Plains and another year of narrow margins. Reuters said urea prices have climbed 55% since shipping through the Strait of Hormuz...
U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year, USDA says
The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to...
Strong protein demand meets ongoing producer challenges
Growing consumer interest in protein-rich diets is helping drive optimism across the livestock industry, even as producers continue to manage risk and long-term investment decisions. Marshall Hansen, Senior Vice President of Corporate Proteins with Farm Credit...
Get ahead and stay ahead of weed issues in 2026
As farmers develop their spring burndown programs, they need options to not only get ahead of weeds but maintain that control throughout the season. Including a residual herbicide, like Perpetuo® Herbicide, in pre-emergence tank mixes can help corn growers strengthen...
Demand for used agriculture equipment remains strong
The used agriculture equipment market continues to stay hot as farmers look for ways to save money in a time of tight margins. Mike Price is a territory sales manager with Purple Wave Auction and he says Purple Wave is placing an emphasis on used ag equipment right...
USDA unveils plan to cut red tape and legal pressures on farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday launched the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework — a policy initiative designed to shield producers from what the department calls politically motivated legal actions and regulatory overreach. Secretary Brooke Rollins...
Small machines with big impact on Iowa farms
Utility vehicles may not always be the largest machines on an operation, but John Deere says they are often among the most used. As farms continue to look for efficiency in daily tasks, the company says feedback from producers is shaping how newer Gator models are...
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More Ag News
Crop protection strategies key in tight margin year
With tighter margins facing agriculture this year, producers are being encouraged to take a close look at their risk management plans as the March 16 crop insurance deadline approaches. Reviewing coverage options and making sure protection aligns with a farm’s cost of...
Very few changes made in March WASDE report
As expected, the USDA made very minor changes to the numbers in the March WASDE report. The U.S. ending stocks were left alone, and the crop production estimates for Brazil and Argentina were slightly adjusted. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a...
Grassley gives update on Farm Bill 2.0
The latest farm bill proposal, known as Farm Bill 2.0, recently passed through the House Ag Committee and now will move to the floor of the House for consideration. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Tuesday for his thoughts on the bill and what...
Now is the time to finalize crop insurance coverage
Farmers across the country are being reminded to finalize their crop insurance coverage for the 2026 crop season before the March 16 deadline for most spring-seeded crops. New data released by National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) shows participation in the program...
NPPC welcomes new leadership
The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and board members to lead the organization through the 2026-2027 term. These experienced leaders will guide NPPC’s advocacy efforts, advancing policies that support growth, sustainability, and long-term...
