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Grassley discusses the USMCA ahead of July 1st review
Last week President Trump said that he does not plan to renew USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement) ahead of its mandatory July 1 review. On Tuesday United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the president’s comments and whether Grassley and other Senators in favor of USMCA have been in discussions with the president. Senator Grassley says the trade agreement is very important to Iowa’s ag producers. Grassley says the administration has the right to renegotiate within the...
A November soybean surprise
In most years the USDA November WASDE report does not make significant changes to the yield and production forecast for soybeans. That’s USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. He says that last Friday’s WASDE report provided a November surprise by cutting the previous...
Updated estimates of renewable diesel through 2026
University of Illinois analysts looked into the future of renewable diesel production in the U.S. and saw some headwinds. Renewable diesel production capacity has exploded in recent years, increasing by more than three billion gallons. This substantially impacted fats...
AI’s presence continues to grow in agriculture
It seems like every time that we blink, artificial intelligence, or AI, has found a new way of helping us do our tasks a little bit better. Sometimes, it can also be a little scary. We harken back to some classic movies where AI has become too smart and has put...
November WASDE looks mostly friendly for corn and beans
This busy news week is wrapping up with the November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. While concerns over tariffs still remain, the ag marketplace has not adjusted sharply in either direction. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said...
Farmers need relief from economic conditions and natural disasters
A trifecta of natural disasters, high input costs, and poor economic conditions has made the last year difficult for farmers and ranchers. Betty Resnick, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says there is some relief on the way, but more is needed....
Biofuels industry hopes for year-round E15, improved 45z tax rule
The biofuels industry is beginning to look ahead to 2025 and the new administration taking over leadership in Washington D.C. Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice-President for Government and Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp says President-elect Trump has a record on...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-6-25)
Despite the tariff news weighing in on the ag marketplace, the export sales this week came withing expectations, which is better than what we have been seeing recently. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn. While the soybean...
Ag economy has been trending below growth neutral
A monthly survey of bank CEOs in 10 Midwestern states shows a dismal outlook. The report shows the February score fell to 38 on a zero to 100 scale, where 50 is growth neutral. This is the seventeenth time the score has been below growth neutral in the past eighteen...
Cattlemen waiting to see the impact of tariffs on bottom lines
As the tariff back-and-forth continues between the United States and some of its most important ag trade partners various ag groups are intently watching for the effects on producers’ bottom lines. Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,...
Nominate a conservation leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award
Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their community for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The award...
Skor optimistic about future of E15 and biofuels
The future of biofuels, particularly E15, remains a crucial element in Expanding E15 availability could boost the agricultural sector and reduce reliance on foreign oil. However, overcoming regulatory barriers and updating fueling infrastructure will be essential for...
