Top Stories
Hog inventories up in March
The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from USDA shows an increase in inventories. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the total number of hogs in the U.S. is up compared to this time a year ago. McConnell says hog inventories remain stable, adding that lower breeding numbers are offsetting increasing market hog inventories for the quarter. He says that when examining the last two quarters inventories have expanded despite the breeding herd remaining stable. McConnell says the...
Ag retailers outline 2026 policy priorities
The Agricultural Retailers Association outlined its 2026 Public Policy Priorities, announcing a comprehensive agenda designed to support America’s ag retailers and strengthen the nation’s food and supply chains. The priorities also support science-based, practical...
Equipment market finding stability after volatile swings
After several years of dramatic highs and lows, the farm equipment market may finally be starting to stabilize. Corey Nordhausen with AgDirect says it doesn’t take much of a look back to see just how quickly conditions changed. That surge in demand created tight...
Managing weeds during unpredictable spring weather
As we have seen over the past couple weeks, the weather in Iowa can change on a dime. According to NOAA, that variability will continue throughout the 2026 spring season. This can make weed management even more difficult- drier areas will have to be mindful of...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-17-26)
The weather patterns are still favorable for farmers as harvest and planting continues in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for South America. McBride said progress is still looking good for both harvest and...
Dry winter did not replenish needed moisture for growing season
Generally speaking, it was a mild and dry winter season for the United States. And it has left many areas of the country with dryness as the beginning of the planting season approaches. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the lack of precipitation this winter...
China signals openness to buying more U.S. ag products
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials held what were called “remarkably stable” talks in Paris during the weekend on several topics. Reuters said the discussions centered on potential areas of agreement in agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade for U.S....
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-19-26)
This week’s export sales were disappointing all around, but there has been so much major news recently that this is not weighing heavily on the markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales broke their trend of performing above average. On the...
Corn growers in search of certainty from year-round E15
There are few certainties in farming. Weather, prices, and regulations are always shifting and forcing farmers to think on their feet. One way to deliver certainty for fuel retailers is through the implementation of year-round E15 says National Corn Growers President...
U.S. dairy industry hoping to see USMCA renewal
U.S. agriculture groups are watching the pending negotiations between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada as the countries work on renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Tony Rice, the director of trade policy for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the...
Secretary Naig invites Iowans to celebrate Iowa Ag Week March 23-30
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting every Iowan to celebrate Iowa Ag Week, March 23-30. The weeklong celebration highlights agriculture’s many significant contributions to Iowa’s economy, communities, and way of life. This year’s celebration is also...
Leasing and financing options shaping equipment decisions
As equipment markets begin to stabilize, the next question for many farmers is not just what to buy, but how to pay for it. With tighter margins and less available cash on hand, financing decisions are becoming just as important as the equipment itself. Corey...
