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NASS reports returning this month
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will release several key agriculture reports in November, including a monthly crop supply and demand report that wasn’t issued last month because of the government shutdown. According to a post on its website, NASS will release the crop production and world ag supply and demand estimates on November 14. Reuters said the report had been scheduled for November 10 and will provide the government’s first estimate of U.S. corn and soybean...
Naig says Congress has wasted enough time
As the government shutdown drags into its twenty-eighth day, frustration across the country is boiling over. From farmers waiting on FSA offices to reopen, to families relying on SNAP benefits, real Americans are paying the price while Congress remains stuck in its...
October is National Manufacturing Month
October is National Manufacturing Month, and manufacturers are incredibly important for the ag industry. Manufacturing is also a big part of Iowa’s economy, with over 220,000 Iowans employed in the manufacturing industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said...
Digging into the relationship between crop yields and soil fertility
At the end of harvest season, growers do not have much time to take a break and enjoy the hard work of the growing season. It’s also the time when farmers begin to start building a plan for next year. A big portion of crop yield is tied directly to soil fertility...
Former ISU professor to receive prestigious USMEF award
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2025 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 13 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted...
Secretary Naig, Governor Reynolds encourage farmers to plant fall cover crops
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds are encouraging Iowa farmers to plant cover crops this fall to improve water quality and save money on next year’s crop insurance premiums. The savings are offered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture...
Experts doubt Argentina beef plan will have significant benefit
The Trump administration is proposing to increase beef imports from Argentina as a way to balance supplies and bring relief to consumers facing high prices. However, many in the livestock industry say the move would do little to address the core issues driving the...
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More Ag News
China’s return offers hope but little market movement
There is finally some good news for U.S. soybean growers as China has stepped back into the market. The purchase is not a large one, but it marks the first notable move in months and offers a small sign of progress in a strained trade relationship. For many farmers,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-28-25)
While we wait to hear more official news about President Trump’s Argentine beef import plan, farmers in South America are rolling along with planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns in Brazil and Argentina....
Increasing opportunities for U.S. pork in South Korea
South Korea ranks as the fifth-largest market for U.S. pork year-to-date. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, said strong consumer demand in South Korea is expected to keep growing, which could move the country...
Trade talks boost grain markets ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
Following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s preliminary negotiations with Chinese trade officials, the grain markets have rallied significantly ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping of China. Commodity broker Joe Camp of Commstock...
Bessent: deal set for China to begin importing U.S. Soybeans
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects that China won’t impose export controls on rare earth mineral exports, and the U.S. won’t impose 100 percent tariffs on China. During separate interviews over the weekend, Bessent said trade negotiations with China have...
