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Tracking fertilizer costs since the beginning of the conflict in Iran
Fertilizer prices have climbed sharply following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, raising concerns about higher production costs for U.S. farmers in the years ahead. Analysts say nitrogen fertilizers have seen the largest increases due to disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global fertilizer supplies. According to recent University of Illinois production cost data, anhydrous ammonia prices jumped from an average of $828 per ton before the conflict to...
U.S. pork industry eyes growth in Vietnam & beyond
As the pork industry continues its push to expand global demand, the importance of both established and emerging markets is more evident than ever. While long-standing trade relationships remain vital, there’s growing momentum behind newer and evolving partnerships....
FTC Commissioner visits Ankeny to discuss rural issues
This past Saturday, Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya met with Iowa Farmers Union members on the Griffieon Family Farm just north of Ankeny. This was one of many stops Bedoya has made as he continues his lawsuit against the Trump administration, which fired him...
SAF Coalition briefs American Carbon Alliance members
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition joined the American Carbon Alliance’s monthly membership meeting to provide an important update on federal policy developments. The Coalition shared the latest on the sustainable aviation fuel market, highlighting its growing...
Raising healthy pigs is a group effort
Raising healthy pigs doesn’t happen by accident and animal health is at the forefront of all hog producer’s minds. Following biosecurity protocols and proper management strategies are a part of everyday life when raising pigs. Dr. Seth Krantz is a director on the...
China trade obstacles impacting beef and pork exports
Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of U.S. beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that...
Terrain report urges marketing adaptability in 2025
Farmers are facing a season in which margins could be razor-thin, leaving little room for error. With input costs high and commodity prices uncertain, 2025 is shaping up to be a year that rewards those who plan ahead. The best strategy in this kind of environment is a...
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August WASDE threw a curveball at the corn markets
With trade uncertainty on the minds of many farmers, the USDA threw the corn market a curveball. The August WASDE report gave farmers and ranchers across the country an interesting look into how production might look this fall. Faith Parum, an economist with the...
449 Century and Heritage Farm families honored at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson honored 449 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same...
Crops are promising, but yields need to be protected
The recent WASDE report from the USDA confirmed that this year’s crops have great potential. Now, it’s important for farmers to keep a close eye on their crops and do whatever they can to realize those potential yields. Kurt Maertens, BASF technical service...
Corn yield estimate will affect local basis levels
On Tuesday, USDA published the August WASDE report with a corn yield estimate of 188.8 bu. That number was well above the trade guesses going into the report and signifies the potential for a massive crop. That is Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing who says that the...
Iowa producers urge action on farm bill & trade
In yesterday’s coverage, we noted the wide range of policy issues weighing on Iowa farmers. Today’s focus narrows to two of the most immediate priorities: passing a comprehensive farm bill and addressing ongoing trade challenges. While the Reconciliation Bill approved...
