Top Stories
Red meat exports mixed to start 2026
U.S. red meat exports were mixed in January, with pork exports trending higher year-over-year and beef trending lower according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were led by another outstanding performance from the leading market, Mexico. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that, in addition to Mexico, exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the ASEAN...
Iowa Biodiesel Board urges EPA to reallocate RFS gallons lost to small refinery exemptions
Today, the Iowa Biodiesel Board joined other trade associations in evaluating EPA’s granting of full or partial exemptions from compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standards from 2016-2024 to 38 oil refineries. Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel...
Heat and moisture create ideal conditions for disease pressure
As indicated by the results of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, the crops in Iowa are looking good as we head into the end of the growing season. However, that doesn’t mean that there still aren’t some issues to look out for. Travis Ralfs, Eastern Iowa territory account...
Incoming ICPB President eyes opportunities for Iowa corn farmers
Strong crop prospects are welcome news, but Iowa farmers know that good yields don’t always guarantee strong prices. Building demand at home and abroad remains a top priority, and that’s where the work of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board comes in. As the organization...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-21-25)
After last week’s market news chaos, this week was much calmer. Export sales were great for corn and decent for soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales set another weekly record. Soybeans still have some issues to work out, but this week’s...
U.S. and EU issue a joint statement on trade framework
The U.S. and the European Union announced that they’ve agreed on a Framework of an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. Among the key terms, the EU intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and provide preferential market access for a...
Lower beef production, higher steer prices
Beef supplies continue to tighten, yet consumer demand remains strong. That has led to a one-way street for beef prices with the price continuing to climb for consumers. USDA’s August forecasts for beef production and steer prices also demonstrate the effect of...
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More Ag News
Ag marketplace is navigating blind without USDA reports
With the government shutdown in full effect, there won't be any export sales reports until Congress can pass a budget resolution. However, we can still look at the estimates this week for a rough idea of what the sales might look like. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Government shuts down as Congress fails to pass budget resolution
The Congressional budget year runs through September 30, and the clock has recently run out. Emily Buckman, director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Congress was unable to reach an agreement to keep the federal government open....
Favorable fall weather conditions assisting Iowa’s farmers
Mother Nature is lending a helping hand to farmers this week as conditions are excellent for many aspects of agriculture. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the Central U.S. is experiencing nearly ideal conditions for both harvest and planting cover crops. Rippey...
California Governor signs landmark E15 legislation
In a historic move, California Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 30 into law, authorizing the sale of gasoline blends containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) at retail fuel stations across the state. With this action, E15 is authorized for sale by all 50...
Stronger soils mean smarter decisions in 2026
Harvest is running full throttle across Iowa, and while combines are rolling, many farmers are already thinking ahead to what comes next. Rising input costs and shrinking profit margins mean every decision matters more than ever. As planning for 2026 begins to take...
