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Asia wants U.S. ethanol
Japan's push to reduce carbon emissions could open new export opportunities for the U.S. ethanol industry. As the country moves toward wider use of E20 fuel, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is leading a trade mission to Japan to highlight the state's role in producing lower-carbon fuels. He says that carbon capture is a major priority for Japan and has been a focus for Japanese officials. The trade mission also includes stops in the Philippines, where ethanol demand is growing for different...
Wetter weather leads to enhanced disease pressure
We’ve had a very successful crop year, but the intense amount of moisture recently has led to some concerns. Emily Prevo, an AgriGold agronomist in southern Iowa, said farmers are worried about water pooling and nitrogen runoff from all of the rain. Prevo said the...
U.S. ag trade deficit continues climbing in 2025
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit a record high in the first half of 2025. Bloomberg said that only highlights American farmers’ longtime dominant role in world exports, which is hurt by President Donald Trump’s trade wars. Agricultural export value trailed the...
Grilling up fun at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent
Mother Nature tried to put a damper on the Iowa State Fair yesterday, spending much of the morning tossing thunderstorms our way. Nothing severe, but enough to keep the early crowds in check. By the time I arrived for my 11 a.m. “celebrity chef” shift at the Iowa Pork...
The Iowa State Fair is one big ag education opportunity
In true Iowa fashion, the weather was unpredictable for the first day of the Iowa State Fair. Thunderstorms rolled across the Des Moines metro, and many state fair attendees decided to wait out the storms before making their visit to the fair. But once the storms...
Farmer sentiment weakened in July
Farmer sentiment continues to weaken. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July, falling to 135, an 11-point month-over-month decline from June. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points to 127, while the Future Expectations...
First annual Heart of the County Fair Award recipients
The Heart of the County Fair Award honors exceptional Iowans who have made significant contributions to their local fairs and communities. The families will be honored at the Iowa State Fair with a plaque and special recognition, made possible by Beck’s Hybrids in...
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More Ag News
Unleashing the ethanol industry with year-round E15
In a time when the farm economy is hurting, year-round E15 would provide a shot of energy into the ag industry. This would be a great boon for consumers who are looking for cheaper fuel prices as well. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said there are a couple of open...
Global USMEF teams compete at World Food Championships
Teams from the Caribbean, Mexico and Japan and supported by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) competed over the weekend in the World Food Championships in Indianapolis. Each team prepared three dishes for a tailgate-style barbecue contest featuring U.S. beef and...
Ag Secretary Rollins says shutdown holding up emergency farm aid
As the government shutdown continues farmers are yet to receive funds in emergency aid and the money will not be distributed until the shutdown ends and the government is fully operational. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told Fox News recently that emergency aid will...
NFU responds to government efforts to lower beef prices
Following President Trump’s comments about importing beef from Argentina to lower prices for American consumers, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew reaffirmed the need to strengthen fairness and competition within the U.S. beef industry rather than rely...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
