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Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling him a strong fit because of both his farming background and experience in Washington. Ernst says Smith’s confirmation would give Iowa another voice at the federal level during a period of major changes inside the USDA. She says...
Markets continue to look at South America as harvest continues
There were some recent concerns about dry weather in South America, but the current forecast is now showing ideal conditions for their crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said soybean...
Senate Finance Committee looks closely at USMCA trade deal
With the review process of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement set to begin later this year, the Senate Finance Committee took a closer look at the deal this week. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Strong U.S. corn exports continue
Another month-over-month increase is forecasted for our nation's corn exports, according to USDA's latest outlook. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses the export numbers for the nation’s record corn crop. Jekanowski says one impact from...
Dairy producers in Iowa reminded to obtain 2026 dairy margin coverage by February 26
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 12 and the deadline to enroll is...
Iowa regulators highlight changes to pesticide guidance
New federal pesticide decisions and evolving endangered species requirements are expected to bring more field-specific guidance for Iowa applicators heading into the growing season. Conversations following the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Showcase highlighted how...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-12-26)
Heading into this week’s export sales report, the markets were expecting to see negative corn sales and positive soybean sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the report turned out to be the complete opposite from those estimates. Flash sales were active...
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Naig highlights Iowa results as E15 access grows
As questions continue in Washington about the future of year-round E15, Iowa leaders say the state is already seeing what expanded access can do. From more fuel choices at the pump to stronger demand for corn, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa’s...
Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in...
