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South American Weather and Crop Update (4-28-26)
The weather in Brazil is continuing to dry out, which is causing concerns as the crops go through the critical pollination phase. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. McBride said harvest is slowly getting underway in Argentina, and while some of the progress is lagging behind, there aren’t any major concerns yet. McBride said there could be some slight adjustments to the South American crop around the next WASDE report if...
Number of farms and total acreage of farm ground down in the U.S.
According to the latest USDA report, the number of farms in the United States is down year over year. National Agricultural Statistics Service Administrator Joseph Parsons also provides the statistics for total acreage of farm ground in use in the U.S. Parsons says...
HPAI detected in a multi-species backyard flock in Buena Vista County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in...
National Pork Industry Forum shapes the future of U.S. pork
As the pork industry’s largest annual meeting across both the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board, the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, brings together producers and industry stakeholders from across the country. Rob...
CROPLAN Offers Crop Management Advice for Iowa
As Iowa farmers prepare for another growing season, agronomists say planning ahead for disease pressure and crop management decisions can help growers stay ahead of potential problems. Jeff Osterhaus with CROPLAN says many conversations with farmers right now focus on...
Iowa Soybean Association is evolving to face ag industry issues
This year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio saw a record number of farmers in attendance. In many discussions throughout the event, it was clear that farmers are prepared to give this crop season their all, no matter what challenges they may face. Aaron Putze, chief...
Expanding export markets for U.S. biofuels
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden is bullish on export opportunities for U.S. produced biofuels. Vaden was a speaker at this year’s USDA Ag Outlook Forum and says the potential for biofuel exports is ever expanding. Vaden says that U.S. biofuels are a key...
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More Ag News
Dry winter did not replenish needed moisture for growing season
Generally speaking, it was a mild and dry winter season for the United States. And it has left many areas of the country with dryness as the beginning of the planting season approaches. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the lack of precipitation this winter...
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....
U.S. soybean quality delivering value in global markets
As global soybean production continues to expand, competition in export markets is increasing. However, U.S. soybean leaders say quality remains one of the biggest advantages American farmers bring to the global marketplace. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S....
News headlines bring negativity to soybean marketplace
Front month soybeans began Monday with a price of $12.14 cents before seeing losses of 70 cents to close at $11.55 and ¼ cents. In addition to continuing conflict in the Middle East and shipping issues in the Strait of Hormuz, comments from President Donald Trump...
Red meat exports mixed to start 2026
U.S. red meat exports were mixed in January, with pork exports trending higher year-over-year and beef trending lower according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were led by another outstanding performance...
