Top Stories
Rare bug near Iowa prompts field warnings
Profit margins are already razor-thin for many Midwest farmers this year, prompting increased diligence in scouting and early detection of crop threats. With careful planning and proactive crop protection strategies in place, most producers felt prepared for the growing season. But now, an unexpected and rare pest has surfaced — one so uncommon that it falls outside the scope of most treatment plans. Its reappearance is frustrating and raises fresh concerns about how to respond effectively....
NPPC President-elect preparing to lead organization next year
The World Pork Expo, held every year at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, is an excellent opportunity for pork industry leaders to gather and discuss the top issues they are facing. National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Rob Brenneman is...
Farmers expressing more concerns about Trump’s tariffs
Farmers and other businesspeople are watching the Trump administration's trade strategy very carefully as tariffs, which could directly affect their bottom line, go up and down and back again. Brian Kuehl is Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade and is holding...
Trade mission to Peru is underway
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely arrived in Lima, Peru, this week to begin an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access. The goal is to boost U.S. agricultural exports to address the $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru....
Brazil’s corn crop surges, exports dip
Brazil continues to pose strong competition in global agricultural trade, and 2025 will be no different. With favorable weather and solid market positioning, the conditions are aligning for another strong year for Brazilian crop production and exports. This growing...
Rural America helping to power AI innovation
Rural America is becoming the home of more data centers to power artificial intelligence. Jeff Johnston, Lead Economist for Infrastructure with CoBank, says the rural areas of the United States are helping to lead the charge forward for AI technology. Johnston says...
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...
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ISU combining solar farms with production agriculture
There’s a unique form of agriculture being studied at Iowa State University: “agrivoltaics,” which is the crossroads between solar power production and farming practices. At the Alliant Energy Solar Farm south of Ames, they’re trying to figure out which ag practices...
Increased RFS volumes from EPA give support to soy complex
Last week the Environmental Protection Agency released the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and 2027. The increased volume of biomass-based diesel compared to recent years sent the price of soybean oil limit-up with a $3.00 increase on Friday followed...
BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark returns Saturday
The countdown is on! BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is back for its third year, and it’s heating up to be bigger and better than ever. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs, and Fareway, the family-friendly event kicks off this Saturday,...
Ag industry can help recent graduates start careers strong
Many new college graduates are out looking for jobs to start their careers, and the ag industry is a good place to begin. A company in Massena, Iowa, is dedicated to helping those recent graduates find their starting point in agriculture. Tammy Jensen, president of...
Proposed biofuels volumes bring optimism to Iowa
The biofuels industry has faced a rough stretch in recent years, with uncertainty and setbacks taking a toll not just on producers but on the entire agricultural economy. Blending decisions made under the previous administration led to the closure of several ethanol...
