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Strong U.S. corn exports continue
Another month-over-month increase is forecasted for our nation's corn exports, according to USDA's latest outlook. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses the export numbers for the nation’s record corn crop. Jekanowski says one impact from the report is lower ending stocks in the U.S. balance sheet. He expands on the global trade numbers and the effect of U.S. corn exports on the data. That was World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski.
Iowa cash rents drop in 2025
The 2025 annual survey of cash rental rates for Iowa farmland shows that rates decreased, on average, by 2.9 percent in 2025 to $271 per acre. It’s the first decline in cash rents since 2019, after a peak of $279 per acre during the previous two years of the survey....
Congress yet to deliver on E15 promise
E15 fuel will be available again this summer thanks to another temporary waiver from the Trump Administration. While Iowa is one of eight Midwestern states already allowing year-round E15 sales, this fix remains only partial. Iowa lawmakers are still in the fight,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-27-25)
Farmers in Argentina are hoping to see some more dry weather so they can make up some harvest progress and catch up to the average pace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the forecast looks like it will line up with those hopes. McBride said the farmers in...
Labor costs may keep rising this year
Labor challenges are among some of the most difficult issues facing farmers and ranchers, especially for those who utilize the H-2A program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, explained how the program works....
Grassley discusses the “One Big Beautiful Bill” as it moves to Senate
As the Trump tax bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, the ag world will be watching to see what revisions are made to the farm bill improvements included in the House version of the bill. House Ag Chair GT Thompson last week touted the Trump tax cuts, death...
Farm groups react to MAHA commission report
On the heels of Thursday’s report released by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, industry organizations are calling for science-based agricultural policy. In a statement, the Modern Ag Alliance said the report raises the possibility that the federal government...
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Heat dome to cover Iowa and much of the Midwest
July has been a cool and wet month so far, which has been great for the corn crops going through pollination. Warm weather is set to return, though, with a heat dome preparing to form over the lower Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said it...
20th annual Farm Progress Show is quickly approaching
This year marks the 20th year of the Farm Progress Show, which will take place in Decatur, Illinois, next month. The show will run from August 26-28. Matt Jungmann, national events manager for Farm Progress, said that time will fly by as we approach the show date....
New biological seed treatment to provide more uniform corn emergence
Lumidapt™ is the latest addition to the Corteva Agriscience LumiGEN® corn seed treatment package. Lumidapt Valta LS is a biological seed treatment that aims to encourage germination and strong root development leading to more uniform corn emergence. Brad Van Kooten is...
Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) grants boost biodiesel access at Iowa fuel retailers
At its first meeting of the new fiscal year, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded $1,124,750 in grants to support biofuel expansion across Iowa. The funding will assist 20 retail sites in adding B11 biodiesel and 4 sites in adding E15. “We are...
USDA cuts could strain Iowa farm services
Farmers across the country rely on their local USDA offices for a range of services, including conservation programs and crop insurance support, but concerns are growing that these services could be at risk. With staffing shortages already placing strain on field...
