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Work underway on a year-round E15 bill in the Senate
Efforts to secure year-round nationwide sales of E15 ethanol fuel remain active in the U.S. Senate, offering renewed hope for corn growers seeking expanded demand for their crop. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said that lawmakers are working on new legislation to allow permanent year-round sales of E15, though details of the proposal are still being negotiated. "We are trying to get an E15 bill, and what it looks exactly like is in the process of being determined," Thune...
Cash flow pressures reshape equipment decisions on Iowa farms
Tight margins continue to shape decision-making on farms across Iowa. While disease pressure still plays a role, commodity prices and cash flow have become the dominant concerns for many producers, especially when it comes to equipment purchases. Those pressures are...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-29-26)
This week’s export sales report brings us to an interesting situation- now that the numbers are aligned with the USDA’s export goals, there isn’t much news to react to. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this was another great week for corn sales. McBride...
Young farmers and ranchers have a unique leadership opportunity
Young farmers and ranchers should mark their calendars for March 13–16 for the upcoming Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference. Bev Flatt, a Tennessee farmer and member of the American Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee, said attendees will have a lot to look...
Trump defends tariffs in Iowa speech
President Trump was in Iowa on Tuesday to deliver a speech, campaigning to hold onto the House and Senate in the midterm elections. President Trump pushed back against critics of his tariff policies in front of an Iowa audience including many farmers. Trump says his...
Groups applaud president’s call for year-round E15
The Renewable Fuels Association applauded President Trump for strongly reaffirming his support for America’s ethanol industry. During a stop in Des Moines, Iowa, he called on Congress to send a bill approving year-round E15 to his desk “very quickly.” Trump said he...
Winter no longer a break as HPAI resurfaces in Iowa
Winter weather typically gives Iowa poultry producers some relief from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, but this season continues to challenge that expectation. Iowa has confirmed a new HPAI detection in Kossuth County involving pheasant production, a reminder that...
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More Ag News
Feenstra discusses plans to make Iowa “the most ag and business-friendly state”
It’s no secret that we are navigating an exceptionally difficult farm economy. Many farmers, particularly at the smaller level, are facing tough decisions on whether or not they can even operate for another year. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is running for...
Planted acres projections reflect cautious farm economy
USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. As crop farmers prepare to plant their corn, soybeans, or wheat in 2026, many are making decisions with the current farm economy in mind. Faith Parum, an economist for...
AI and precision technology gain momentum on U.S. dairy farms
Artificial intelligence and precision technology are playing a growing role on U.S. dairy farms as producers seek greater efficiency and ways to manage ongoing labor shortages. Dairy cooperatives and technology firms say AI-driven tools can track milk production,...
Fertilizer outlook for the 2026 growing season
In what could be a very early season for anhydrous rigs in the Midwest good news is scarce on the fertilizer front. That is according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, who has been keeping a close eye on the price of nitrogen during the winter...
Iowa livestock producers urged to plan ahead for fly season
As warmer weather approaches, livestock producers may be looking ahead to fly season and considering management strategies that go beyond simply treating adult flies. Many experts say early planning and integrated approaches can help reduce pressure before populations...
