Top Stories
As Iowa farmers hold grain, crop protection continues
With grain prices under pressure and supplies heavy, many Iowa farmers are making the decision to hold grain in storage longer while waiting for better marketing opportunities. According to the USDA, ample production combined with softer demand has kept prices below levels many producers would like to see, putting more focus on protecting grain quality once it goes into the bin. In that environment, post-harvest management becomes an economic decision as much as an operational one. Miya Butler...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-13-25)
Despite a slight miss to the corn sales, the grain numbers from this week’s export sales were positive for the marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. McBride said the markets will keep a close eye on...
Farm lenders and insurers implore ag lawmakers for new farm bill
Farm lenders, insurers, and growers pleaded with Senate Ag lawmakers to pass a new farm bill now with improved crop insurance, reference prices, and loan programs. That is Ben Noble, a former Senate staffer and head of Arkansas’ Riceland Foods. Caleb Hopkins with...
Urban farmers can apply for cost-share to boost beneficial insects
Urban farmers can now get cost-share and technical support to boost beneficial insect habitat on their farms through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s and Xerces Society’s beneficial insects cost-share. Sign-ups are now open and available until funding runs out. “Urban...
New NPPC President looks ahead to a busy term
The National Pork Industry Forum is one of the most important industry events of the year. The event, which is a joint annual business meeting of the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board, is taking place right now in Orlando, Florida. Duane...
Data-driven success with GHX
In today’s challenging agricultural economy, farmers must leverage every piece of data available to maximize their return on investment. Programs like GHX from Golden Harvest are empowering growers by providing data-driven insights to select the right hybrids,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-12-25)
The weather in South America has once again flipped to a drier cycle, but this will actually be helpful since some areas in Brazil actually received excessive amounts of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns....
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More Ag News
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...
