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U.S. Export Sales Report (2-5-26)
The markets didn’t stay calm for long, as this was an extremely busy week for major ag news. While the weekly export sales weren’t huge, other news from the Trump administration had a massive impact on grain prices. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this week’s export sales were a little disappointing. After a bit of a quiet period, McBride said there were some recent flash sales. On Wednesday, President Trump announced that he had a very productive call with China President Xi...
Tariff volatility continues with 90-day pause
The past week has been full of tariff whiplash. President Trump yesterday announced a 90-day pause in the reciprocal tariffs in place on many U.S. trading partners. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Ag economist says outlook for ag is not promising
One of the country's leading ag economists says the economic forecast for agriculture in 2025 and beyond does not look promising. Dr. Joe Outlaw, a professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University, says that the forecast for ag in the next five years...
ICPB to hold director elections for USDA crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9
Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program. On July 15, 2025, corn farmers in crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 can vote...
Beef still rules the meat case
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices, beef has defied expectations at the meat counter. Historically, tighter household budgets tend to push consumers toward more affordable proteins like pork and chicken. Yet, in a surprising shift, beef has...
Sticking with financial plans during economic volatility
It’s no secret that the economy is extremely volatile right now. Things were looking pretty grim after President Trump announced his plan for widespread tariffs, and now the markets have shot back up following his announcement today that the retaliatory tariffs will...
There’s nothing micro about the importance of micronutrients
Micronutrients play a huge role in the success of our crops, especially here in the Corn Belt. Tim Laatsch, North America director of agronomy with Koch Agronomic Services, said a deficiency in micronutrients impacts the overall health and potential yield of both corn...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-10-25)
Much of the forecast for Brazil and Argentina has remained the same week-over-week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an explanation of the latest weather patterns in South America. Safrinha harvest progress in Brazil is behind the yearly average, but...
Deadline extended for AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge
Aspiring entrepreneurs now have more time to complete their applications for the Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, has extended the deadline to register for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge to June...
Crafting the message for the consumer
Taste What Pork Can Do™ is the new industry wide consumer campaign from the National Pork Board. The campaign is similar in size and scope to successful campaigns of the past such as Pork, The Other White Meat. Kiersten Hafer with the National Pork Board says the...
Chevron’s new Iowa based tech center to drive innovation in future fuels
State and local leaders along with company leaders at Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) celebrated the grand opening of the Ames Technology Center this morning on the Chevron Renewable Energy Group (CREG) Campus. The 45,000 square foot facility, which sits on the...
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....
