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Farmland values enter a new phase
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” said Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate options at Farmers National Company. “This isn’t a sign of collapse but a recalibration that reflects current commodity...
Property rights pressure rises across rural America
It is easy to assume Iowa’s fight over carbon pipelines and new transmission lines is something unique to our state. But the same pressures and frustrations are playing out across rural America. Our neighbors to the south in Missouri are confronting many of the same...
Farmer Bridge Assistance program isn’t a long-term solution for economic issues
Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, which will offer $12 billion in economic aid to farmers impacted by low commodity prices, high input costs, and challenges to market access. While many farmers are appreciative...
House unanimously passes ePermit Act
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the ePermit Act, which codifies President Trump’s Action Plan to modernize permitting technology across federal agencies. The legislation aims to reduce processing times for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)...
Exports highlight U.S. corn balance sheet
The December WASDE report is typically a quiet report that is moved on from quickly. USDA published the monthly report on Monday and while it did not make big waves due to major changes there are some adjustments to make note of. One of the bigger adjustments was to...
Senators push USDA for faster bird flu vaccine plan
A bipartisan group of 23 senators called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite development of a comprehensive bird flu vaccination strategy amid rising infections in livestock flocks. Lawmakers warn that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or...
Building the calf microbiome begins in the first hours of life
Producers spend a lot of time thinking about cow health, breeding readiness, and nutrition plans, but Purina says the story of long-term productivity starts much earlier. The first hours and weeks of a calf’s life are filled with stress points, and how those animals...
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Naig encourages Iowans to celebrate agriculture during America 250
As planning begins for America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the United States reaching 250 years, Iowa leaders are emphasizing that the milestone is not only about looking back. It is also about recognizing what has made the country successful, and what will...
ICA heading into 2026 with plenty of optimism
Cattle producers from across the state recently gathered in Altoona for the annual Iowa Cattle Industry Convention. This year’s gathering had one of the highest attendance numbers from both producers and industry-leading companies. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO...
USDA finalizes stage two of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
Eligible farmers and ranchers are now invited to apply for specific disaster relief. The American Relief Act, passed in late 2024, authorized the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and applications for farmers and ranchers are now open. Danny Munch, an economist...
Soybean marketplace remains quiet despite positive export news
Despite good news for the soybean complex in terms of export demand this week, the markets have not responded with bullish price movement. China has secured at least seven million tons of U.S. soybeans after multiple purchases during the past two weeks. That puts...
Ethanol production hits another record high
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol output jumped to a new record high in the seven days ending on December 12. U.S. production rose to an average of 1.131 million barrels a day, which the agency said is up from 1.105 million the previous week and...
