Top Stories
Increasing farm bankruptcies highlight economic challenges
New data from U.S. court filings indicate farm bankruptcy has risen again. This is yet another indicator that we are experiencing a struggling farm economy. Samantha Ayoub, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the data paints a stark picture of the farm economy. Ayoub said farm bankruptcies are not a perfect indicator of the farm economy, since the data often lags behind real farm finances. Additionally, Ayoub said only a small number of farms are even eligible for...
Ag forecasts for 2026
Since 2020, AgriBusiness Global has developed a yearly forecast of key events likely to impact global agriculture and agribusiness in the year ahead. Among the top forecasts for 2026 are input prices staying flat or increasing as suppliers compete for farm purchases....
The importance of COP30 for U.S. pork producers
Last month’s United Nations Conference of the Parties, or COP30, was attended by an estimated 50,000 people from around the globe. With representation from industry sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and non-governmental organizations, U.S. pork...
Health care costs strain families in the countryside
Health care has become one of the most unpredictable and financially draining parts of rural life. Premiums continue to climb, choices remain limited, and many families in agriculture are being forced to make decisions that simply do not feel sustainable. Missouri...
PFI names 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award recipient
A Linn County farmer was recently recognized for their contribution to promoting sustainable agriculture in Iowa. Laura Krause, owner of Abbe Hills Farm in Mount Vernon, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical...
AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference is “Rooted in Resilience”
The 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference is coming up quickly. “Rooted in Resilience” is the theme for the 2026 YF&R Conference, set for March 13–16 in Portland, Oregon. Ryan MacKay, this year’s YF&R Chair, talked about...
Callahan is the new chief agricultural negotiator
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative welcomed Julie Callahan as its new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council applauded the news, saying, “She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-6-26)
Now is the time where the crops in Brazil are in a critical growth stage, so the markets across the globe are keeping an eye on the weather. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there has been a good amount of rain so far, which is what they need. The...
Bayer offering high-quality vegetable seeds for FFA chapters
FFA chapters have a fresh opportunity to boost their spring fundraisers, thanks to a new partnership between Seminis® vegetable seeds and Ball Seed®. The Plant-Powered Fundraiser Program gives chapters discounted access to professional-grade vegetable seeds, helping...
Saving money on paper can still lead to losses in the field
The 2025 crop season had a little bit of everything in Iowa. A lot of moisture early and dry conditions in August. Southern rust pressure throughout the state and weed pressure from persistent weeds such as waterhemp. The takeaway? Even if you think you are saving...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association honors 2025 award winners
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, named the 2025 Producer of the Year and 2025 Hall of Fame award winners at their annual convention in mid-December. It is with great pleasure that they...
Global demand growing for U.S. Soybeans outside China
For the past several months, the United States and China have been uneasy trade partners when it comes to soybeans. There is technically an agreement in place, and China has made some purchases, but it has not exactly been the most reliable relationship. That...
