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Thinking about fall diesel fuel needs
Crude oil prices are returning to levels that were familiar before the United States war with Iran, but diesel and gasoline prices are still higher. It is expected that diesel and gasoline prices will recede to normal levels, but it may take a few months, probably at least until the end of August. That’s the opinion of an agricultural and energy analyst in Champaign, Illinois. That is Dave Chatterton with Strategic Farm Marketing. He says that farmer-customers will need to be cautious when...
Legislators want verification of used cooking oil imports
Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa joined bipartisan colleagues in demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding used cooking oil imports. The lawmakers want information on the agency’s process for verifying the authenticity of the...
Last minute push underway for economic farm aid in stopgap spending bill
Republicans and ag groups in Washington D.C. are making a last-minute push to include economic farm aid in the stopgap spending bill that will avoid a government shutdown. The last gasp campaign for farm aid comes as farmers are faced with another one-year extension...
John Deere ready for planting in 2025
We have just recently finished the 2024 harvest, and it won’t be long before we say, “Break’s over. Back to work” for 2025. Many farms are already getting the ball rolling on equipment preparation for the next season. Winter gives you a great chance to give your...
USMEF expanding Costco’s sales of U.S. meat in Mexico
In Mexico, Costco is a leading distributor of U.S. beef and pork cuts – not just to everyday shoppers, but also to businesses. With Costco looking to expand its sales of U.S. red meat to foodservice clientele in Mexico, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently...
Fish and Wildlife Service proposes ESA listing for monarch butterflies
A new species might be added to the Endangered Species list, with a threatened designation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced a proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly. Shelby Hagenaur, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm...
A plan to resume Mexican live cattle imports into the U.S.
The United States-Mexico border was closed for the importation of Mexican cattle into the U.S. in late November, after a case of New World Screwworm was detected in Mexico. Import restrictions on live cattle imported into the U.S. were put in place out of an...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-8-25)
As tariffs continue to shake up the economy, many eyes are on South America to see if the country’s crops will be able to help meet global demand. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said rain has returned to Brazil after a dry spell. McBride said there is a...
Applications open for 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge
The American Farm Bureau Federation and several partner organizations are seeking competitors for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge. Applications are now open for the challenge, which is a national business competition showcasing agricultural-based entrepreneurs and...
Grassley introduces legislation to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy
Last week United States Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation to restore Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. The Trade Review Act of 2025 would require...
Secretary Naig invites students to enter 2025 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2025 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, raised and made food, beverages and ag products and it is a marketing...
Tariff tensions put U.S. soybean industry in the crosshairs
The latest round of tariffs announced by the president has introduced a new wave of uncertainty across global markets, with agriculture once again bracing for impact. The ag industry has historically been among the first targets for retaliatory measures, given its...
