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More details still needed on U.S. and China trade agreement
Details remain scarce on the framework agreement of a trade deal between the United States and China although some optimism has returned to the soybean complex in the ag marketplace. Chinese officials did confirm some of the details of the framework agreement according to Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net, but he says that the 13 percent tariff remains in place on U.S. soybeans. McCormick explains the situation for United States soybeans with Brazil still the cheaper option for China...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (10-16-25)
As the government shutdown persists, we still don’t have any official export numbers to look at. We can, however, look again at the weekly estimates. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are still projected to be well above the average. On the...
Falling oil prices should indicate cheaper fuel
For the past several weeks and even several months, oil prices have held fairly steady, remaining in the mid-$60 per barrel range. But, thanks to OPEC’s increased production, that trend is no more. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said banks...
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Farmers risk losing billions without reallocation
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing supplemental SRE reallocation volumes to the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes. Clean Fuels America shared the potential impact on U.S. soybean farmers and processors with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. EPA...
R-CALF urges Trump to fix beef market fairly
If you have felt a little sticker shock at the meat counter lately, you are not alone. Beef prices continue to push higher, setting new records seemingly by the week. In many stores, 80/20 ground beef is knocking on the door of seven dollars a pound, and when it does...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-21-25)
The weather looks to be drying out for a good portion of South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. The weather has been cooperative for both corn and soybean planting progress to move along...
Iowa is a great home for USDA research projects
As the USDA looks into decentralizing from Washington, D.C., Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says some research projects should be moved to Ames, Iowa. With our state being a natural hub for agriculture, this change would be a great fit for what the USDA is looking...
The value of early planting soybeans
In recent growing seasons farmers have been planting soybeans earlier and experiencing for the most part higher yield potential. Researchers at the University of Illinois have been studying this management trend to test the value of early planting soybeans. Connor...
