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Input costs aren’t dropping alongside inflation
General inflation has cooled off from the high points in recent years, but input costs are not following suit. Dr. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, and he said farm input prices don’t always follow inflation up or down. Langemeier said some costs stick close to rising and falling inflation rates. Langemeier said that disconnect is why break-even prices for grain won’t come down. Langemeier said inflation is a big part of the story, but there are...
Cattle industry hopeful for expanding trade opportunities overseas
With the current administration in Washington D.C. attempting to rework more favorable trade with international partners, producers have had to show patience. In some cases, they have had to endure short term pain in hopes of long-term gain. Kent Bacus, the executive...
Specialty crop payment rates due in April
The USDA has already allocated over $6 billion in payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Programs. Payment rates for specialty crops under the program are due in early April. “I believe we’ll have those payment rates in place by early next month,” Deputy Ag...
Crop protection strategies key in tight margin year
With tighter margins facing agriculture this year, producers are being encouraged to take a close look at their risk management plans as the March 16 crop insurance deadline approaches. Reviewing coverage options and making sure protection aligns with a farm’s cost of...
Very few changes made in March WASDE report
As expected, the USDA made very minor changes to the numbers in the March WASDE report. The U.S. ending stocks were left alone, and the crop production estimates for Brazil and Argentina were slightly adjusted. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a...
Grassley gives update on Farm Bill 2.0
The latest farm bill proposal, known as Farm Bill 2.0, recently passed through the House Ag Committee and now will move to the floor of the House for consideration. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Tuesday for his thoughts on the bill and what...
Now is the time to finalize crop insurance coverage
Farmers across the country are being reminded to finalize their crop insurance coverage for the 2026 crop season before the March 16 deadline for most spring-seeded crops. New data released by National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) shows participation in the program...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-19-26)
This week’s export sales were disappointing all around, but there has been so much major news recently that this is not weighing heavily on the markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales broke their trend of performing above average. On the...
Corn growers in search of certainty from year-round E15
There are few certainties in farming. Weather, prices, and regulations are always shifting and forcing farmers to think on their feet. One way to deliver certainty for fuel retailers is through the implementation of year-round E15 says National Corn Growers President...
U.S. dairy industry hoping to see USMCA renewal
U.S. agriculture groups are watching the pending negotiations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada as the countries work on renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Tony Rice, the director of trade policy for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the...
Secretary Naig invites Iowans to celebrate Iowa Ag Week March 23-30
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting every Iowan to celebrate Iowa Ag Week, March 23-30. The weeklong celebration highlights agriculture’s many significant contributions to Iowa’s economy, communities, and way of life. This year’s celebration is also...
Leasing and financing options shaping equipment decisions
As equipment markets begin to stabilize, the next question for many farmers is not just what to buy, but how to pay for it. With tighter margins and less available cash on hand, financing decisions are becoming just as important as the equipment itself. Corey...
