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Brazilian soybean harvest underway
With a main global competitor of U.S. soybeans now beginning harvest for this year's crop, what is the outlook for Brazil’s production this season? USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides the latest update on the Brazilian growing season. Jekanowski says the three-million-ton month over month increase in Brazilian soybean production is the biggest factor in the 3.1-million-ton rise in global production in the January WASDE report. He adds that Brazil and the United...
Takeaways from disease pressure during the growing season
2025 was a year of disease pressure that caused headaches for farmers throughout the growing season. Southern rust was a major yield robber and invaded corn growing areas that normally do not have to deal with the disease. Lynn Justesen is a technical services lead...
USMEF looking to further develop strong demand for U.S. protein
Even though we are waiting for the final export numbers for 2025 to be tallied, we already know that demand for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb remained strong last year despite several strong headwinds, including tariffs, a strong dollar, and tight beef supplies. U.S. Meat...
USDA sets new research priorities for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water...
Could a coast to coast railroad help or hurt agriculture?
A major shakeup could be coming to the U.S. railroad network, and agriculture is keeping a close eye on it. Union Pacific is working on a deal to acquire Norfolk Southern. If it goes through, it will create the first true coast-to-coast rail system in the country. The...
Highlighting major economic factors to observe in 2026
The U.S. macroeconomy is influencing agriculture input costs, commodity price trends, and supply and demand fundamentals. Matt Erickson, senior analyst at Terrain, said inflation, tariffs, and interest rates will be major factors to keep an eye on in 2026. Erickson...
What to expect in the January WASDE report
The January USDA WASDE report will be released on Monday January 12th and while we don’t know what changes will be made, if there are changes, they could move the ag marketplace. Matt Bennett of AgMarket.net says that if we get a January WASDE report similar to 2025...
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North American Bee Strategy aims to improve honeybee health
Honeybee colonies in the U.S. experienced significant losses in 2024, with an estimated 55% of managed colonies reported as lost from April 2024 to April 2025. That is the highest loss rate since tracking began in 2010. In response, the Honey Bee Health Coalition...
Iowa Electric Co-ops stress storm safety
Winter weather in Iowa can turn quickly. Snow, wind, and bitter cold often arrive with little mercy, and when they do, travel and power reliability can both become concerns. That is why the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives is reminding rural residents to stay...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-6-26)
Now is the time where the crops in Brazil are in a critical growth stage, so the markets across the globe are keeping an eye on the weather. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there has been a good amount of rain so far, which is what they need. The...
Bayer offering high-quality vegetable seeds for FFA chapters
FFA chapters have a fresh opportunity to boost their spring fundraisers, thanks to a new partnership between Seminis® vegetable seeds and Ball Seed®. The Plant-Powered Fundraiser Program gives chapters discounted access to professional-grade vegetable seeds, helping...
Saving money on paper can still lead to losses in the field
The 2025 crop season had a little bit of everything in Iowa. A lot of moisture early and dry conditions in August. Southern rust pressure throughout the state and weed pressure from persistent weeds such as waterhemp. The takeaway? Even if you think you are saving...
