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Costs going higher in 2027
USDA's latest Commodity Cost and Returns report shows production expenses are expected to climb for every major crop in 2026 as global energy and fertilizer market disruptions continue to ripple through agriculture. The report follows months of volatility tied to conflict involving Iran and concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher fertilizer costs are adding pressure to already tight farm margins. The findings mirror a recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey in which...
Trade policy shifts impact on U.S. agriculture
Agricultural economists from North Dakota State University have examined the proposed trade policies of the two presidential candidates and one proposal being floated in Congress. The NDSU experts laid out the potential losses to soybean, corn, wheat, and beef exports...
John Deere’s See and Spray hits milestone
It was only a few years ago when we got to see John Deere’s See and Spray Technology on display at the facility near Bondurant. The technology has changed the game in how farmers can attack weeds and cuts down on the input costs for the products needed to protect our...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-17-24)
Much like what we are seeing here in Iowa, the weather in South America is still quite dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. While it is early to be getting too worried about the weather’s impact...
Budget battle limiting legislative work for farmers
With elections looming, the Congressional calendar is tight. Right now, Congress is locked in a funding battle. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the deadline is quickly approaching. Buckman says a continuing...
Navigating tough weather conditions with a more stable form of nitrogen
One of the biggest memories of the 2024 growing season in Iowa will be the extremely wet start to the season. With plentiful rainfall that quickly replenished Iowa’s soil, eventually some areas in the state became oversaturated with water. When there is too much rain...
Mississippi River levels falling again
For the third consecutive year, Mississippi River water levels are falling again, making shipping goods difficult. Farm Policy News says the low levels are forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits. It was...
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More Ag News
Helping Iowa soybean growers stay informed about always changing markets
Domestic and international markets are always changing, and it is important for Iowa soybean growers to stay up to speed on the shifting landscape. To provide insight into global and domestic market trends and their impact on a farmer’s return on investment for 2025...
Make financial planning part of your new year resolutions
Many of us are still working towards our new year resolutions, and a lot of those resolutions are centered around the financial side of our lives. For farmers, an estate plan can offer massive benefits down the road. Matt Roberts, chief planning officer with Syverson...
Soy industry welcomes longshoreman deal
U.S. longshoremen reached a contract agreement with ports and shippers earlier this month, averting a potential strike that could have damaged the American economy and hurt agriculture. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said he's...
Aaron Juergens named president of Iowa Pork Producers Association
Aaron Juergens, a hog producer from Carroll Iowa, has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Juergens was named president this week at the IPPA annual meeting at Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. Juergens manages over 100,000...
Farm costs in 2025
A recent poll asked farmers where they plan to cut costs. Equipment purchases topped the list, but farmers also plan to scale back on fertilizer rates, use more generic products and reduce tillage or field passes. The theme that consumed the crops side of agriculture...
