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Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect impacts on farmers through higher energy costs, including fertilizer, diesel fuel, natural gas, and propane. While energy costs are one concern, Olson said geopolitical events can also influence grain prices through financial...
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...
NPPC: Line speed rise won’t hurt safety
It takes tremendous effort and coordination to move our agricultural products from the farm gate to the grocery store shelves. Every step of the supply chain relies on effort and efficiency to keep food flowing to consumers. One of the most critical links in that...
Be early and active when managing post-emergence weeds
With most of the crops planted at this point, it’s time to be thinking about post-emergence weed management already. Northeast Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld said it’s important to take care of weeds while they are small and easy to kill. When it comes to...
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Food Bank of Iowa benefits from Iowa State Fair
One of the most iconic parts of the Iowa State Fair is the food, and there’s always plenty of it. There are also many food competitions that take place in the Elwell building on the west side of the fairgrounds, which do a great job of connecting fairgoers with the...
Draft MAHA Report shows no pesticide restrictions
A draft of the upcoming MAHA report seen by the New York Times will not propose direct restrictions on ultra-processed foods and pesticides that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called “major threats.” If it is adopted, the report on the health of America’s...
Grassley hopeful for year-round E15 legislation in 2025
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that he is hopeful that Congress can pass legislation for year-round E15 sales nationwide in 2025. Grassley adds that if his bill for year-round E15 sales passes, it is likely to happen at the end of the calendar this...
U.S. meat exporters connect with Latin American buyers
Buyers from across Central and South America as well as the Caribbean met face-to-face with U.S. red meat exporters at the 13th Latin American Product Showcase, which is hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the event...
Swanson: Ethanol key to driving Iowa and beyond
The Iowa State Fair has always been a place where farmers and consumers come together, and this year’s Iowa Corn Day put the spotlight on the many ways corn drives the state’s economy. Beyond the food and fuel on display, the Iowa Corn Growers Association used the...
