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USDA launches modernized crop acreage reporting pilot
USDA is unveiling a new pilot program for spring-planted crops to modernize and update crop acreage reporting. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production Richard Fordyce describes the program as “transformative.” Fordyce says it has taken too long for USDA to modernize crop acreage reporting in the digital age. He says the pilot will operate in county offices in a dozen states for reporting spring-planted acreage by the July 15th deadline. Fordyce adds that the new program will make information...
Trump tariff pause appreciated by farmers
Farmers across the U.S. were pleased to hear most countries will get a 90-day reprieve from the new individualized tariffs announced April 2—an opportunity for negotiations with our trading partners that could lead to consensus and potentially avoid permanent tariffs,...
Crop nutrition is more important than ever
With the ag economy facing mounting pressure from rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and tightening margins, this season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. Farmers are feeling the weight of uncertainty, and every decision carries...
Friendly April WASDE report meets quiet market expectations
With the intense volatility we are experiencing in the ag economy right now, the commodity markets are closely watching every single headline that pops up in the news. Today brought the release of the April WASDE report, which is the first major ag report to be...
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...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-10-25)
This week brought yet another great report for U.S. export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are continuing to impress. Soybeans also had an impressive week and nearly set another weekly record. Rounding out the positive feeling from...
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the...
Rollins shuts down southern ports again
A new case of New World screwworm appeared this week, only 160 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border. USDA had previously announced a risk-based phased-in port reopening strategy for cattle, bison, and equine from Mexico that began on July 7. The new case raises...
Grassley lays out updated farm bill priorities
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill over the 4th of July weekend, attention now turns back once again to the farm bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill contains “major victories for...
Nutrien Financial helps Iowa growers navigate tight margins
As producers work through the heart of the growing season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that tighter margins and rising input costs are putting added strain on farm finances. From fuel to fertilizer, every dollar spent must stretch a little further than it did...
