Top Stories
Pork exports continue to build momentum
Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year's pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons. Mexico remained the top customer, purchasing $1.09 billion worth of U.S. pork. Japan posted one of the strongest gains, with export value increasing 14 percent and volume rising 19 percent. Demand also remained solid across...
Grain donations could turn harvests into hope
Hunger remains a persistent challenge across the country, affecting people of all backgrounds, incomes, and communities. It’s a crisis that cuts across urban and rural lines alike, with food pantries and assistance programs struggling to keep up as demand grows. More...
Heat dome ridge led to derecho in Upper Midwest
The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-31-25)
This week’s export sales were back to the great pace that we saw for a while. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said new crop corn sales set a record for this week. On the other hand, McBride said the new crop soybean sales are concerning. McBride said some...
Grassley addresses the chances of a farm bill in 2025
After Congress included farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill, talk in Washington D.C. shifted to crafting a “skinny farm bill” before the end of 2025. The scaled down version of the traditional farm bill would address the remaining ag programs that were...
Ag groups support new trade deals
A series of new trade deals between the United States and countries around the world will directly benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. Groups like the American Farm Bureau support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers...
Iowa farmers facing tough fungicide calls
Wetter conditions and warmer temperatures have set the stage for a more active disease season in Iowa corn fields. Tar spot and northern corn leaf blight have already made their presence known in several areas, and concern is growing as the crop nears critical...
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Markets are looking for news as government shutdown persists
There’s no clear end in sight yet for this government shutdown, and the markets are desperately looking for news headlines to trade. While there are a few things worth looking at, there’s not much solid news to trade on even outside of government reports. Allendale...
AFBF asks Congress and White House for farm aid
Farmers and ranchers are facing extreme economic pressures. The overall U.S. farm economy is in very bad shape, and the long-term viability of the sector is in danger. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said costs have...
AI in agriculture is here and assisting farmers each day
AI, or artificial intelligence, is beginning to be applied to agriculture in tangible ways that can assist farmers with day-to-day tasks. Heather Hampton Knodle, president of Knodle Farms in Illinois, recently spoke about AI at the Rural Economic Outlook Conference at...
Bayer partners with Cornfed Farms to create first ForwardFarm in Midwest
Bayer is proud to announce that Cornfed Farms, a fourth-generation farm operated by the Mohr family, has been designated as the first Bayer ForwardFarm site in the Midwest and the only ForwardFarm in the United States. This recognition places Cornfed Farms as one of...
The rock that feeds the world: Inside a Canadian Potash mine
Most farmers are familiar with potash as a key source of potassium on a fertilizer tag, which helps crops grow stronger, healthier, and more productive. But fewer have stopped to think about where it actually comes from. Before it ever reaches a field, potash begins...
