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U.S. Export Sales Report (5-14-26)
This week’s export sales were mostly a repeat of recent trends once again. However, there were a few notable differences. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch said old crop corn sales were lacking, but that market has been so strong recently that this is a minor issue. While this week was a standout week for the soybean sales, Breisch said they still need to see more consistent sales to meet the USDA’s goals. Breisch added that flash sales started to pick up last week, which in turn...
Secretary Naig invites students to enter the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages...
Nutrient efficiency key in tight margin year
As growers continue making crop input decisions for the 2026 season, fertilizer return on investment remains one of the biggest priorities, especially on rented acres. Keith Byerly with Mosaic says growers want confidence that every dollar spent on crop nutrition...
New ARC/PLC acres will be specifically distributed
Thirty million new base acres in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill won’t be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the USDA is electing to distribute those acres in a more organized way. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation...
Helping Iowa’s farmers reduce stress during the busy planting season
Planting season is very similar to harvest in that it is one of the busiest and potentially most stressful times of year for growers. Long days and a lack of sleep can make things difficult for farmers. Add in the uncertain weather and equipment breakdowns and stress...
U.S. beef gains expanded access to Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority recently announced that participation in the Export Verification (EV) Program will no longer be required for U.S. beef exports to Saudi Arabia. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this change, now...
Egg prices ease as poultry producers prepare for spring wildfowl migration
A report from the American Farm Bureau has good news for egg buyers. Egg prices have dropped sharply as production recovers from volatility caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza infections. While detections in January and February rose sharply, with over 15...
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More Ag News
Give crops a head start with a pre-emerge herbicide
As we approach the 2026 planting season, farmers need to make sure that they have their weed management plans in place. With how unpredictable every crop season can be, a flexible herbicide can make the difference between a successful or challenging crop year. Will...
When fertilizer prices climb, efficiency is the key
As fertilizer prices skyrocket, farmers are researching all opportunities to apply fertilizer as efficiently as possible and receive the most bang for their buck. Dan Schulz is a vice president of sales with Ostara and provides some background of the company and...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-14-26)
The weather is drying out a bit in Brazil, which could cause concerns as the second crop corn hits the last stage of growth. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this will be something to watch, but this is also close to the time that Brazil experiences its...
Secretary Naig and INREC launch nitrogen soil sampling project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) today announced a new, three-year Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project that will conduct nitrogen soil testing for farmers in targeted areas upstream from the Des...
NPPC targets Prop 12, trade, labor in D.C.
The National Pork Producers Council is taking its top policy priorities directly to Capitol Hill this week as pork producers gather in Washington, D.C. for the group’s Legislative Action Conference April 15 and 16. Rob Brenneman, president of NPPC and a pork producer...
