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NASS taking steps to provide more accurate crop numbers
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently had to correct the numbers from the September Crop Production Estimates report. However, a lot of the damage has already been done by this point, as the inaccurate numbers caused some of the largest single-day declines in December corn futures during 2026. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about the new numbers. Parum said the USDA has taken steps to make sure these errors...
Beef exports were strong in July while pork was down
July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the value increase was driven primarily by...
Another trade dispute leaves farmers facing the fallout
Trade tensions between the United States and Canada are creating another potential problem for American agriculture, this time for the dairy industry. Trade negotiations between the two countries broke down in August, followed by new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods....
Lending a trusted ear to farmer mental health struggles
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and that’s especially important in rural areas, where suicide rates are roughly 1.5 times higher than urban areas. A lack of rural mental health care options and a negative stigma against discussing mental health have...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-4-26)
Old crop grain sales are wrapping up as we prepare to enter into the new crop year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the old crop corn sales were strong in the latest export sales report, and that will likely be reflected in next week’s WASDE report....
Preparing for farm safety during harvest
Safety is always a primary concern for farmers during harvest season and making sure that you have the proper safety tools and procedures in place should always be top of mind. After a dry August and hot and dry start to September Dan Neenan of the National Education...
Iowa CSP, EQIP application deadline set for Sept. 25
Iowa farmers interested in signing up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have until Sept. 25 to apply to be considered for 2027 funding. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural...
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Ag Committee advances Farm Bill 2.0 to uncertain future in full Senate
The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its 2026 farm bill on a narrow 12-11 party-line vote after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s return enabled action on the measure. The bill includes major agriculture priorities such as year-round E15, mandatory country-of-origin...
Soybean checkoff turns research into new demand
Soybeans are most commonly associated with food, livestock feed, and renewable fuels, but a growing share of soybean research is looking at what the crop can do beyond those traditional markets. From tires and lubricants to firefighting foam, industrial uses are...
Propane can be used for more than just grain drying
Many farmers primarily use propane in grain drying equipment, but with the ever-rising prices of fuel and energy, propane can offer a more affordable power option. Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education and Research...
Weather systems and precipitation slowing early harvest efforts
As farmers are beginning to harvest in Iowa, they are encountering some slowdowns with a widespread weather system delivering rain to the Midwest. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that a moisture laden weather system is making its way across the country this week....
Pork producers advocating for industry priorities on Capitol Hill
The National Pork Producers Council has brought nearly 100 pig farmers from about 20 states to Capitol Hill for the Legislative Action Conference this week. NPPC Vice President Todd Marotz said they are meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and sharing the story of an...
