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Questions remain with U.S.-China trade deal
It’s been an interesting time in the soybean market, especially when it comes to trade with China. Initially, it was great to hear that the U.S. and China agreed to a trade framework that included China making U.S. soybean purchases. Jim McCormick, chief operating officer at AgMarket.Net, said he was pleased to hear about this, but he had some questions concerning the agreement. McCormick said the U.S. and China don’t technically have a signed agreement yet, so this framework could still fall...
Ethanol production hits two-year high
The Energy Information Administration says ethanol output surged to a two-year high, and inventories hit their highest points since April during the week ending on December 22. Ethanol production rose to an average of 1.107 million barrels per day, up from 1.071...
John Deere precision equipment leads the way after 30 years
Last year at Commodity Classic in Orlando, I had the chance to visit with Matt Olson of John Deere as they were rolling out their revamped precision farming tools for the 2023 growing season. They were excited to make updates to everything from displays to modems and...
2023 a memorable year for the ethanol industry
2023 was a year to remember for the ethanol industry with corn ethanol demand reaching the highest levels since 2019 and the blend rate in gasoline setting a record as production rose to 15-and-a-half billion gallons. Rising domestic demand for ethanol and growth in...
U.S., Brazil competitive balance in soybeans
The U.S. and Brazil are major competitors when it comes to exporting soybeans around the world. USDA’s Economic Research Service did a comparison study to figure out how changes in factors underlying production, marketing costs, and infrastructure might affect export...
A year-end message from Secretary Naig
As we take stock of 2023, there are things to be proud of. There are those moments where we persevered through adversity in weather, trade, markets, and the Federal Government’s lethargy. There are things that the farmers in Iowa can be proud of, like the strides we...
Wrapping up the ag markets at the end of 2023
The final two weeks of the calendar year are always quiet in the ag marketplace, and that was no different this year. Bill Moore, senior account executive with The PRICE Futures Group, said many traders have used the opportunity to even themselves out for the new...
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More Ag News
Cattle grazing pasture and rangeland recharging from rainfall
Despite some delays to planting caused by recent rainfalls in the Corn Belt, the moisture boost has helped to recharge the soil and brought relief to many drought-stricken areas. Row crop farmers are certainly welcoming the recent rains, but what about cattle...
Two beef industry bills signed into law by Governor Reynolds
Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law that were high priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). Showcasing the importance, a large crowd gathered at Pat and Laura Blomme’s farm to witness this notable event. The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F....
Building trust in the dairy industry through the checkoff
The dairy industry has faced some scrutiny as of late, especially as it pertains to the safety of products and H5N1, formerly known as “bird flu” and “High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza”. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration...
Highlighting ag trade during World Trade Month
May is World Trade Month, and trade is an important conversation topic for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Brent Boydston, USGC Chair, said World Trade Month is a significant event for the Council. Boydston said the USGC contributes to improving international trade...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-16-24)
Corn and soybeans sales came in within estimates, but they are still leaning towards the lower side of the range. This is not what we want to see with both markets trending lower already. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest export...
