Top Stories
Input costs aren’t dropping alongside inflation
General inflation has cooled off from the high points in recent years, but input costs are not following suit. Dr. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, and he said farm input prices don’t always follow inflation up or down. Langemeier said some costs stick close to rising and falling inflation rates. Langemeier said that disconnect is why break-even prices for grain won’t come down. Langemeier said inflation is a big part of the story, but there are...
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...
Congress will have increased oversight over the president’s latest tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled 6–3 that IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs. This invalidates all tariffs based solely on IEEPA. Following the ruling the administration pivoted to Section 122...
U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures....
Signup period for Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends this week
The signup deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends on Thursday, February 26. Trey Forsyth, the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the DMC has been improved by multiple changes. Forsyth said...
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More Ag News
House Ag Committee approves Farm Bill 2.0 with bipartisan support
Last week, the House Ag Committee passed Farm Bill 2.0, which means that the legislation will now be up to the full House of Representatives for consideration. This is great news for the ag industry, as much of the legislation from the 2018 farm bill is far outdated....
U.S. beef regaining market share in Colombia
U.S. beef exports to Colombia rebounded last year, climbing 23% in volume (4,232 metric tons) and 77% in value ($40.8 million) compared to 2024 – when the Colombian government-imposed restrictions on U.S. beef due to avian influenza detected in some U.S. dairy herds....
New seed delivery system designed to deliver more even emergence
Agriculture technology is always striving to make improvements to equipment that can enhance a farmer’s ability to optimize performance. ArrowTube is the latest piece of ag technology from Precision Planting and was on display at the PTx booth at this year’s Commodity...
Pesticide liability debate intensifies in farm bill fight
A growing dispute over pesticide regulations has emerged as a key flashpoint in negotiations over the next federal farm bill. Lawmakers debated provisions that would limit state authority over pesticide labeling and protect manufacturers from certain lawsuits if...
Celebration of Ag event returns to Cedar Rapids
Agriculture’s role in eastern Iowa will be recognized later this month as the annual Celebration of Ag event returns to Cedar Rapids. The event brings together farmers, agribusiness leaders, community members, and local officials to highlight agriculture’s importance...
