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Tight margins make financial analysis critical
As many farmers continue to navigate a difficult economic environment, understanding the financial health of their operations has become increasingly important. While many producers complete financial statements to satisfy their lenders, one agricultural attorney says those records should be used as management tools that help guide business decisions throughout the year. Austin Peiffer, an associate attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, says regularly reviewing financial records...
Lower disease pressure in Iowa this year
At this point of the growing season the picture starts to become clearer about what farmers are dealing with in their fields this year. Grant Harms is a technical field agronomist with Corteva Agriscience and he says that southern rust is not as widespread in Iowa...
Farmers spent $1.4B more on diesel during planting season
A new study by Joint Economic Committee Democrats found that farmers of key crops in the U.S. spent $1.4 billion more on diesel fuel during the 2025–2026 planting season than they did last season, reports Successful Farming. The increase in diesel spending to plant...
USDA faces borrowing caps for farm programs
The Commodity Credit Corporation may soon fall short of funds, hindering farm safety net programs. While increases in the farm safety net through the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act were welcome, there are concerns that USDA will receive enough funding for the safety net...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-30-26)
Both corn and soybean sales were strong this week, but those strong export sales were overshadowed by market pressure from the wars overseas as well as the weather here in the U.S. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown of the corn export data....
Iowa State Fair just two weeks away
With just two weeks until the Iowa State Fair opens, excitement is building for one of Iowa's signature summer traditions. As county fair season begins to wind down, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says those local fairs continue to connect Iowans with...
Map the Meal Gap study highlights growing presence of food insecurity
The latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America shows the harrowing impact of food insecurity in Iowa and across the country. In this year’s study, data shows that 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children face food insecurity. Additionally, the annual meal gap in...
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Dairy industry needs USMCA improvements
The USMCA has been in the spotlight this summer with the review process in July a major focus. Dr. Megan Roberts is an economist with Compeer Financial and says that United States dairy producers have been closely watching the process unfold. On the Dairy Stream...
EPA seeks changes to WOTUS and DEF rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule that would eliminate derate requirements for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) on certain diesel-powered equipment. The proposal comes after months of feedback from farmers, ranchers, and truckers, who identified...
Corn condition drops amid heatwaves
The damage from triple-digit heat across the Midwest and Plains is showing up in the numbers, reports AgWeb. USDA’s weekly crop progress report shows the steepest week-over-week decline in corn good to excellent condition ratings for this point in the growing season...
Naig previews America 250 Harvest Festival
Iowa is putting an agricultural spin on the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Rather than centering its signature event around Independence Day, state leaders have planned an America 250 Harvest Festival this October to recognize Iowa's agricultural heritage and...
Lower disease pressure in Iowa this year
At this point of the growing season the picture starts to become clearer about what farmers are dealing with in their fields this year. Grant Harms is a technical field agronomist with Corteva Agriscience and he says that southern rust is not as widespread in Iowa...
