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Naig stresses value of USMCA framework
Trade agreements often receive the most attention when negotiations become contentious, but for Iowa agriculture, their greatest value is often found in the stability they provide. Canada and Mexico remain Iowa's two largest international trading partners, making the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement an important part of the state's agricultural economy. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said while there are issues that still need to be addressed between the three countries, the agreement...
Create a financial plan to help navigate tough economic conditions
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers, but those revised estimates still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. However, it’s still possible to lock in some profits for your grain despite some tough...
Will the next administration bring relief to ag trade?
With agricultural import numbers outweighing ag exports over the past couple of years, industry groups are questioning whether or not the new administration will bring relief for ag trade. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said the trade imbalance...
Secretary Naig announces availability of Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is once again offering Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to expand the availability of Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made foods, beverages, and other...
USDA forecasts continued ag trade deficits as imports surge, exports lag
USDA is projecting another record ag trade deficit this fiscal year as imports surge and exports drop. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says that USDA expects ag imports to outpace exports for the third fiscal year in a row. That total makes up more than $215 billion...
Naig talks about what he wants from Trump 2.0
There aren’t many days left on the Congressional calendar, and a ton of work has been put off for long enough. In what has become more the rule, rather than the exception, we face another government shutdown and another year without updated farm and food legislation....
U.S. ag commodities have always worked together
For many generations, both corn and soybeans have been a high-quality feed for livestock, and the livestock have provided rich manure to fertilize the crops. Gordon Spronk, vice president of the National Pork Board, said the sustainability circle between livestock and...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-27-25)
With everything going on in the ag economy right now, the export sales have taken a back seat. The greater focus is more on the Quarterly Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings reports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a decent week for export...
Morton Buildings helping farmers design new buildings
A lot of planning and decisions go into the construction of a new farm shop or storage building. Lisa Bocklage, marketing director at Morton Buildings, said the company is making it easier for farmers to start the planning process with its 3D Studio. Bocklage said one...
Farmers for Free Trade voice concerns about another trade war
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced that USDA will be disbursing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers via the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. The payments will provide a lift for producers dealing with high...
IDALS receives notice of bankruptcy for Benson Hill Holdings, Inc.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been notified that Benson Hill Holdings, Inc., of St. Louis, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy effective March 20, 2025. Benson Hill Holdings, Inc. holds a grain dealer license in Iowa. Anyone with unpaid...
GHX Durastak™ ready to battle Corn Root Worm
Corn rootworm, often called the "billion-dollar pest," is one of the most destructive threats to Iowa's cornfields. These insects, particularly the larvae, feed on corn roots, causing significant yield losses and increasing susceptibility to drought and lodging. With...
