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South American Weather and Crop Update (9-8-26)
It may seem crazy to think about already, but farmers in Brazil and Argentina are already preparing for the next crop season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said harvest is almost done in Brazil, so farmers are getting started on planting for next year. McBride said it’s a similar story in Argentina. McBride said the next crop is projected to see higher planted hectares, which should lead to another record crop if there are no major issues like fertilizer shortages or extreme weather...
Pilot program targets nitrogen efficiency
As Iowa farmers prepare to get planters rolling this spring, a new soil testing effort is aiming to help producers better manage fertilizer costs while also improving environmental outcomes. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the pilot program focuses on...
Farmers need to have flexible weed control programs
Weeds like water hemp are at the top of every farmer’s mind, especially as planting season rolls along. Producers need to have a broad spectrum of control in their weed management plans, or they will risk having those weeds develop resistances to the products they...
Canada patiently pursuing USMCA despite pressure from U.S.
The Trump administration is demanding what amounts to an ‘entry fee’ from Canada, in the form of agreeing to some concessions just to engage in trade talks relating to the USMCA deal. In particular, the U.S. administration is demanding pre-negotiation concessions from...
Iowa’s official America250 tree planted on Arbor Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and other state leaders gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today to plant Iowa’s official America250 tree. The event is part of a year-long, statewide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and honoring Iowa’s...
Rising prices impacting consumer choices
A recent survey about consumer buying trends shows that rising prices are affecting consumer’s choices when purchasing food. The survey was conducted by the Stratovation Group in partnership with food and agriculture communications agency Inspire. Kenny Kuhn is...
Tree planting connects youth to America 250
A tree planting at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is one of many events planned this year as part of the America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, who also serves as vice chair of Iowa’s America 250 commission,...
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More Ag News
Infrastructure expansion vital to U.S. fertilizer production
On Tuesday Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins provided updates on federal efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production. To increase fertilizer production capabilities, infrastructure improvements and upgrades are necessary and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is...
U.S. farmers lost $15 billion to tariffs
Recent studies by North Dakota State University revealed that U.S. tariffs and resulting retaliatory actions are driving significant economic losses for American agriculture, heavily impacting exports and raising farming costs. The study found that retaliatory tariffs...
Naig highlights bipartisan wins for Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session with several agriculture-related priorities crossing the finish line, including the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act and a major water quality and infrastructure funding package. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said the...
Trade announcements with China are a positive step forward
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met recently to discuss trade and other topics. This may be a sign that trade tensions are slowly thawing between the United States and China. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-21-26)
As more details come out about the trade agreement between the U.S. and China, the weekly export sales continued following along its recent trends. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were the highest ever for this specific week. McBride said...
