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Markets reacted negatively to today’s slew of USDA reports
Several USDA reports were released today, including the January WASDE report and the Quarterly Grain Stocks. Unfortunately, most of these reports were negative for the ag marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the markets really did not like seeing a 1.2 million acre increase to the harvested corn acres. The USDA also has not addressed the aggressive export numbers they put out for the soybeans last year, which caused another negative reaction today. Fortunately, McBride...
Increased biofuel demand could boost farm economy
At a time when the farm economy is facing a downward turn, farmers and ranchers are looking for expanded market opportunities. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said increased biofuel production could be one avenue to increase farm...
The push for a skinny farm bill before the end of the year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Friday if a skinny farm bill can be passed before the end of the year. Grassley says that Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is working towards that goal. Grassley expands on the landscape of the Senate and potential...
From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
Trade trip aims to deepen ties with Vietnam and Indonesia
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was wheels up early this morning as he headed out on a state trade mission to Southeast Asia. The delegation will spend the next several days in Vietnam and Indonesia, two fast-growing markets that continue to show strong interest...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (11-13-25)
With the end of the government shutdown, this will be the last time for the foreseeable future that we will only have export estimates to look at. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales are still expected to be strong. Over in the soybeans,...
Rare bipartisan agreement on USDA in bill to reopen government
In a rare show of bipartisanship Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the USDA spending bill, which was a part of the bill that reopened the government. The USDA spending bill was one of just three full-year spending bills passed. Here is top Ag...
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Passing the heart of Thanksgiving from one generation to another
Thanksgiving is one of those rare holidays that feels familiar before it even begins. It starts with the smell of the food, the sound of the parade, and the rhythm of a day that never really changes. Growing up on the farm, we did not have to travel far. My...
Creating success in the soy industry by driving demand
It’s been a challenging year financially for many farmers, especially on the soybean side of things. Tariffs, trade deals, and swinging market prices have all added a significant amount of stress. The United Soybean Board (USB) says driving demand will be the key to...
Frozen versus fresh turkey from a food safety perspective
Side dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner table receive a lot of plaudits, from mashed potatoes and gravy to green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. However, the Thanksgiving turkey remains the star of the show. And while many Thanksgiving dinner cooks are seasoned...
U.S. soybeans set for first shipment to China since May
Two cargo ships were headed for port terminals near New Orleans, Louisiana, this week to load the first shipments of U.S. soybeans to China since May. That’s according to a shipping schedule seen by Reuters. A third ship was heading to a Texas Gulf Coast terminal to...
Farmers are dealing with severe financial stress
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is bringing attention to the financial plight of the country’s farmers and ranchers. A recent AFBF Market Intel Report shows that financial stress is severe and persistent across farm country. John Newton, AFBF vice president...
