Top Stories
Advisors urge farmers to use tax data for broader financial planning
Farm financial records can offer more than a snapshot of past performance: they can serve as a roadmap for future decisions, according to agricultural finance experts. As producers prepare tax returns for filing this week, advisors say the process provides an opportunity to evaluate profitability, manage risk and plan for long-term sustainability. A key step is ensuring farm records align with official tax documents, a process known as “matching,” which helps identify discrepancies and improve...
Mental health pressure builds for Iowa farmers but help exists
As agriculture heads toward another challenging season, rural health professionals say the mental strain on farmers continues to grow. Market uncertainty, weather concerns, and long hours can weigh heavily on producers. While conversations around mental health have...
Feenstra discusses plans to make Iowa “the most ag and business-friendly state”
It’s no secret that we are navigating an exceptionally difficult farm economy. Many farmers, particularly at the smaller level, are facing tough decisions on whether or not they can even operate for another year. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is running for...
Planted acres projections reflect cautious farm economy
USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. As crop farmers prepare to plant their corn, soybeans, or wheat in 2026, many are making decisions with the current farm economy in mind. Faith Parum, an economist for...
AI and precision technology gain momentum on U.S. dairy farms
Artificial intelligence and precision technology are playing a growing role on U.S. dairy farms as producers seek greater efficiency and ways to manage ongoing labor shortages. Dairy cooperatives and technology firms say AI-driven tools can track milk production,...
Fertilizer outlook for the 2026 growing season
In what could be a very early season for anhydrous rigs in the Midwest good news is scarce on the fertilizer front. That is according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, who has been keeping a close eye on the price of nitrogen during the winter...
Iowa livestock producers urged to plan ahead for fly season
As warmer weather approaches, livestock producers may be looking ahead to fly season and considering management strategies that go beyond simply treating adult flies. Many experts say early planning and integrated approaches can help reduce pressure before populations...
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USDA sets spring crop insurance prices
As spring planting gears up across the country, the Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency has determined crop insurance prices for 2026. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, has details on three major crops. Parum said these...
Significant drought coverage in ag production areas
Although planting season is just a few weeks away, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant drought coverage in ag production regions of the United States. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the situation for the major corn and soybean growing regions of...
House Ag Committee advances farm bill
The House Agriculture Committee advanced a Republican-led farm bill 34-17 in a vote early on Thursday. While the markup was slowed by partisan fighting about the package, the legislation was approved with the backing of seven Democrats. Politico said that the bill is...
Loveland tools help Iowa farmers maximize crop protection
Farmers are constantly working to stay ahead of weeds, disease pressure, and early-season pest challenges. Getting the most performance from crop protection applications can make a significant difference in protecting yield potential, especially when weather and...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-5-26)
This week’s export sales were very different between corn and soybeans. Corn saw great sales, while soybeans had another disappointing report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there were record-setting corn sales this week. On the other hand, soybeans...
