Top Stories
Cattle on Feed Report shows continuing tight supplies
USDA published the first Cattle on Feed Report of the year on Friday January 23rd with few surprises included. USDA livestock economist Michael McConnell says that tightening cattle and beef supplies were demonstrated in the numbers. McConnell says placements in feedlots were 5% lower than one year ago. However, he says that marketings were up 5% year-over-year. McConnell adds that a significant number of animals remain in feedlots over 150 days. That was USDA livestock economist Michael...
Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2026 legislative priorities
During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural...
Agribusiness Association eyes key Iowa legislation
As the Iowa Legislature begins work on the 2026 session, agriculture and agribusiness are once again front and center in policy discussions at the Statehouse. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa states that several proposals this year could directly impact investment...
Brazilian soybean harvest underway
With a main global competitor of U.S. soybeans now beginning harvest for this year's crop, what is the outlook for Brazil’s production this season? USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides the latest update on the Brazilian growing season....
Feenstra says a new farm bill is still possible
The year is 2026, and we are still using the 2018 Farm Bill. After eight years, much of the legislation needs to be updated in order to match the constantly evolving ag industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said the process will start again next month in the House...
Secretary Naig announces 2026 renewable fuels marketing award recipients
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that Karde’s Convenience Store and Pilot Travel Centers are the recipients of the 2026 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. The annual awards recognize fuel retailers for outstanding leadership in expanding access...
AFBF sets 2026 policies at 107th convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation delegate session adopted a number of policy priorities for 2026. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the farmer and rancher delegates covered a wide range of issues. Delegates also requested the AFBF Board of Directors analyze issues...
Video
More Ag News
Strong opinions on proposed railroad merger
A proposed merger between the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads is now before the Surface Transportation Board for possible approval. Mike Steenhoek, the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, called this a “seismic development” for the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-26)
Right now is the short timeframe in which the crops in both Brazil and Argentina are in the critical yield determining phase. As a result, the weather is a huge focal point for the global grain markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather forecast...
Latest outlook on soybean oil
While much of the focus in the USDA WASDE reports centers on row crops such as corn and soybeans, the reports also help provide a snapshot of the situation for various products such as soybean oil. The most recent WASDE report for January helps to detail the current...
Farmland values enter a new phase
The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady...
Ernst says loan delays hurt Iowa growth
Farmers and rural businesses across Iowa are facing growing challenges when it comes to accessing capital. Tight margins, lower commodity prices, and rising input costs are colliding with loan processes that many lenders say have become increasingly difficult to...
