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Credit trends can say a lot about the farm economy
USDA estimates that farmers will spend more money on interest payments in 2026, after adjusting for inflation, than at any other time on record. Credit is an essential part of agriculture, helping farmers manage costs and invest in their operations. As borrowing costs rise, American Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum said increased reliance on credit says a lot about the overall health of the farm economy. Parum said credit can also offer clues about broader economic conditions in agriculture....
New U.S. ammonia plant will increase domestic production
Fertilizer prices and availability have been a major pain point for U.S. producers for several years. A major factor that contributes to that pressure is fact that the U.S. imports about 50 percent of the 20 million tons of the fertilizer farmers across the country...
RMA changes offer farmers added financial flexibility
Farmers will have some additional flexibility in the federal crop insurance program following two recent changes announced by USDA’s Risk Management Agency. RMA Administrator Pat Swanson, who is also an Iowa farmer, says one of those changes is the return of the...
Historic grain price rallies have defined this August
Contrary to what we would normally expect, there has been a lot of market action this month. As we approach harvest season, there’s a legitimate chance that farmers might see price rallies that warrant some serious grain selling conversations. Michael Weidner,...
New agricultural innovations highlight Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show is back in Boone Iowa this year and will take place next week September 1st-3rd. The Farm Progress Show is the largest outdoor farm show in the country and brings tens of thousands of people to central Iowa. In addition to drawing in showgoers...
Iowa soybean farmers urged to watch for red crown rot as disease spreads
Soybean farmers seeing signs of sudden death syndrome are being urged to inspect plants closely for red crown rot, an emerging disease that can produce nearly identical leaf symptoms. Iowa State University Extension confirmed red crown rot last week in a southeastern...
USDA implementing three-stage cattle import protocol
After halting imports to limit the spread of New World Screwworm, the U.S. is importing cattle from Mexico once again. As imports resume, a three-stage protection protocol will help to control the further spread of NWS in the U.S. Alan Huddleston, USDA acting chief...
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USDA Secretary Rollins announces Ranchers First Initiative
Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a plan of several actions that aims to aid in the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd and bring ranchers back at the center of the food supply. During her visit to...
Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by...
Central Iowa farmers gearing up for corn harvest
The Farm Progress Show conveniently takes place just before the harvest season begins each year. It won’t be long until the farmers that are visiting the show are back at home in the cab of their combine to begin harvesting. Wade Peck is a district sales manager with...
EPA grants most small refinery exemption requests
EPA has granted most of the small refinery exemption requests it considered for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year. The agency announced decisions Monday on 34 petitions from individual refineries seeking relief from their biofuel blending obligations....
EPA backs innovation that works for farmers
As farmers continue to face high input costs, new precision technology could provide opportunities to reduce expenses while also limiting environmental impacts. Doug Jones, agriculture advisor for EPA Region 7, says the agency is watching several new technologies that...
