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Fertilizer supplies and prices are major concerns in 2026
As planting season quickly approaches, now is not the time for there to be questions about the fertilizer supply. The current problems in the Middle East could have a major impact on fertilizer supplies and prices for 2026 and possibly even 2027. Louisiana State University AgCenter Economist Dr. Michael Deliberto said the region is responsible for a large portion of the world’s nitrogen fertilizer supply. The Fertilizer Institute said 65 percent of U.S. farmers get most of their fertilizer...
Oil group challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits
A top U.S. oil trade group is opposing a government proposal to cut incentives for biofuel imports. The group joined multiple organizations in pushing back against the administration’s resolve to keep the policy in the months ahead. The criticism will force the Trump...
Wehrbein: Market highs bring relief and uncertainty
Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health...
Keeping pigs cool during hot summer months
During the hot Iowa summer months, it is highly important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark Oberreuter, ag engineer at Automated Production, said pigs are just as susceptible to heat...
Secure Pork Supply Plan can help Iowa pig farmers
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, helps producers proactively plan for enhanced biosecurity, animal traceability, and disease monitoring for both foreign animal disease outbreaks endemic diseases. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health for the National Pork...
Northwest Iowa crops standing strong against wind damage and disease pressure
At this point of the growing season in Iowa, the crops look outstanding and early reports from the field are calling for bin busting yields. However, there are still concerns about the threats to crops that can rob yield on the way to the finish line. Northwest Iowa...
USDA issues August livestock report
Based on the mid-year cattle report, a further tightening is expected of calves available for placement in late 2025 and early 2026. The report also suggests steady but gradual changes to inventories of beef cows and replacement heifers. That means the 2025 and 2026...
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California holds the key to unlocking E15 growth
California has built its reputation on being a leader in environmental policy, but when it comes to fuel choices, it remains the lone state refusing to allow sales of E15. The ethanol blend, which contains 15 percent ethanol and has been proven to reduce greenhouse...
Final Grain Stocks report causes bearish reaction in grain prices
Corn and soybean ending stocks for 2025 are both down from the previous year in the most recent Grain Stocks report from the USDA. However, feed and residual numbers were used to increase corn ending stocks from the last USDA report, which lead to a bearish reaction...
World Dairy Expo underway in Wisconsin
World Dairy Expo is underway in Madison, Wisconsin. Lisa Behnke, communications manager for World Dairy Expo, said that while the trade show began on Tuesday, the event actually started over the weekend. Cattle shows began on Sunday and will run for several more days....
USDA and DOJ sign MOU to study rising farm input costs
USDA and the United States Department of Justice have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to study issues connected to rising farm input prices and their impacts on producers. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the initiative on Thursday. Secretary Rollins made...
Rural Mainstreet Index turns negative
The August Rural Mainstreet Index covering a multi-state region shows one-fifth of grain farmers will experience a negative cash flow in 2025. For the seventh time this year, the overall regional economic index sank below growth-neutral, falling to 38.5 in September,...
