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Federal Reserve is concerned about the Iran war’s impact on commodity markets
The war with Iran is causing upheaval in the commodity markets. The early volatility has seen an increase in the price of corn and soybeans, but it has also included sharp setbacks. Even more concerning is the risk presented to U.S. farmers and consumers as the conflict in the Middle East drives energy and fertilizer prices higher. During his press conference on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the impact is concerning. While oil price spikes immediately drove up headline...
Building the calf microbiome begins in the first hours of life
Producers spend a lot of time thinking about cow health, breeding readiness, and nutrition plans, but Purina says the story of long-term productivity starts much earlier. The first hours and weeks of a calf’s life are filled with stress points, and how those animals...
Major takeaways from the 2025 crop season
This was a very eventful crop year for Iowa’s corn and soybean farmers. While the variety of issues felt lower than most years, the problems that did pop up threw many farmers for a loop. John Brien, agronomy division manager with AgriGold, said crop health proved to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-11-25)
The weekly export sales are continuing to catch up to where we are currently in the calendar year. This week’s sales covered data through the week of November 13th. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the data showed a good week for both corn and soybeans....
Ag Economy Barometer survey findings on farmer financial assistance intentions
The recent farmer bridge payment announcement from the White House and USDA is a welcome relief for farmers. Although the payments are not a permanent fix to any of the financial problems farmers face, they do help to provide assistance during the trade war with...
CoBank: Forces shaping the 2026 rural economy
A new CoBank Report on the forces shaping the economy in 2026 says ample grain supplies will likely continue burdening the markets in 2026. Global grain and oilseed markets are still oversupplied, but increased biofuels production and improving export conditions are...
Early beans, late rust, and a year full of surprises
You could not plan for the 2025 growing season. Farmers across Iowa saw everything from once-in-a-decade disease pressure to long stretches of uncooperative weather, along with a planting window that turned upside down more than once. Brad Gibson of Channel Seeds...
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Transportation uncertainty will continue in 2026
Heading into 2026, U.S. agriculture faces questions about transportation challenges. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said no one likes uncertainty. Steenhoek said one of the biggest challenges has been the consistently low water...
Rethinking feed additives as cattle management tool
Feed additives have long been part of livestock production, but the way they are being evaluated is changing. As margins tighten and performance pressures increase, producers are taking a closer look at how additives fit into overall herd management, particularly...
Using soil tests to adjust nutrient applications in 2026
When it comes to having a successful crop season, soil nutrition is key. But it’s not just about having the proper nutrients in the soil- farmers need to focus on making sure those nutrients are available to the crops at the right time. Derek Emerine, national...
Farmers and ranchers encourage to share thoughts on WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. The public comment deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs...
Disease pressures and the livestock sector in 2025
Disease pressures in the livestock sector featured prominently in 2025 across the spectrum from poultry to cattle. Two of the biggest stories about animal diseases in the past year were highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm. Former USDA Chief...
