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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...
Dairy & soybean producer talks about the value of Soy Checkoff
The United Soybean Board, through the soybean checkoff, continues to invest in innovative ways to add value to U.S. soybeans. One area that shows strong potential is incorporating High-Oleic soybeans into livestock feeds, something we've highlighted in the past. Now,...
Warm and dry weather allowed for wide-open planting window
Iowa farmers have been treated to a mostly wide-open window for planting season this year, with warm and dry weather allowing for great working conditions. With most of the crops in the ground, we’re now hoping for some rain- and it looks like those prayers will be...
Trends in first meat export forecast for 2026
USDA has published its initial projections for the 2026 calendar year meat export forecast. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the beef export forecast is down, due to tightening beef supplies. On the other hand, pork and broiler export...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
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More Ag News
Argentina makes permanent tax cuts to ag exports
Recently, Argentina President Javier Milei announced permanent export tax cuts for a wide variety of agricultural commodities. The biggest impact globally will be seen in the soybean marketplace, as Argentina is the world’s largest exporter of soybean meal. Allendale...
Bullish news hard to find in current ag marketplace
A current snapshot of the ag marketplace shows front month corn below $4 and soybeans below the $10 mark. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of bullish news for the markets to react to right now to generate positive price movement. John Heinberg is a Market Advisor with...
Trade agreements will benefit Iowa grain and livestock producers
A flurry of recent trade agreements and frameworks have been announced by the Trump administration ahead of the looming August 1 reciprocal tariff implementation deadline. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said several of the deals...
Governor Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for four counties in response to severe weather
Today, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Hancock, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux Counties in response to severe weather that occurred on July 28, 2025. Gov. Reynolds’ proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from...
Higher RVOs could lift feedstock demand
While the biofuels industry is the most direct beneficiary of increased Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), the effects extend far beyond fuel tanks. Rising RVOs also put greater focus on the feedstock supply chain, from soybeans to animal fats, shaping decisions for...
