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China signals openness to buying more U.S. ag products
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held what were called “remarkably stable” talks in Paris during the weekend on several topics. Reuters said the discussions centered on potential areas of agreement in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade for U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider in Beijing. Two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters that the Chinese side showed additional willingness toward buying more U.S. agricultural goods,...
Early legislative debates touch core issues for Iowa farmers
Just a few weeks into the Iowa legislative session, agriculture is already firmly on the agenda. While lawmakers are still early in the process, several issues important to farmers and rural communities are already drawing attention at the Capitol. Earlier this month,...
E15 legislation fix remains a priority issue for Midwest lawmakers
Midwest lawmakers made a strong push to include a legislative fix for year-round E15 sales to be included in the government funding bill, only for the House to drop E15 from the House appropriations bill at the last minute. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)...
Ethanol production drops from a record high
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol output dropped during the seven days ending on January 15. Production of the biofuel fell to an average of 1.119 million barrels a day, down from 1.196 million barrels the previous week, which was the highest level...
New technology allows for collection and direct application of pollen
Earlier this month, PowerPollen and Oxbo announced the first mechanized pollination solution for corn seed production. As we head into the 2026 growing season, this will allow seed companies to directly purchase, integrate, and scale the system. Jason Cope, co-founder...
Iowa farmers press E15 message as President Trump visits
As President Trump visits the Des Moines metro today with a focus on energy, the economy, and affordability, Iowa agriculture leaders are watching closely. While the visit brings renewed attention to biofuels, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the message from...
Weather may be more impactful than Cattle on Feed report
Last week’s Cattle on Feed Report didn’t appear to be a market mover. Kyle Bumsted, a livestock market analyst from Allendale, said the report had a very neutral tone. Bumsted said there were signs of early heifer retention late last year, but that doesn’t appear to...
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At Renewable Fuels Summit, Reynolds looks back and ahead
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed industry leaders at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit this week, highlighting Iowa’s long-standing leadership in renewable fuels and the policy work that helped build the industry into a national force. Reynolds focused on market...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-5-26)
The markets didn’t stay calm for long, as this was an extremely busy week for major ag news. While the weekly export sales weren’t huge, other news from the Trump administration had a massive impact on grain prices. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this...
Representing the Iowa cattle industry at CattleCon
The cattle industry convention and NCBA trade show is in Nashville Tennessee this week and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is in attendance to represent Iowa’s producers. Bryan Whaley is the CEO of the ICA and says that Iowa’s producers and ICA staff are in Nashville...
Will the cattle cycle turn in 2026?
The CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as a part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, said there are signals showing changes ahead in 2026. The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle...
Cutting nitrogen inputs without cutting yields
As input costs continue to rise, farmers are looking for ways to reduce costs while maintaining yields. Nitrogen is one of the costliest inputs, and fortunately there is a way to reduce the amount of nitrogen you apply without kneecapping your yields. Mark Peterson, a...
