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September USDA crop reports build upon August
The September WASDE and Crop Reports from USDA will be published on Friday September 11th. The September reports build upon initial field survey numbers from August. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski explains how the hard data is gathered by USDA and NASS. Jekanowski details how the boots on the ground are gathering information. He says that the September reports will also help to show how much of the corn and soybean crop has been limited by heat stress and drought...
China steps up U.S. soybean purchases ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
China has increased purchases of U.S. soybeans following a May summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, providing a boost for American soybean exporters. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported China purchased 238,000 metric tons of...
Iowa producers welcome meat export recovery
Although U.S. beef exports were slightly lower in volume in June, export value was higher than a year ago. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. beef exports are benefiting from strong demand in countries like Taiwan and parts of Latin America. Growing demand...
Iowa cattle producers can turn calf health into sale-day value
Calves in today’s market are bringing strong prices, but what you put into them only pays off if buyers recognize it. With calves representing a high-value investment, new auction data shows buyers are willing to pay more when calves have a clear health history. Chris...
Boozman: Farm bill work resumes in September
The Senate farm bill remains stalled as lawmakers head into the August recess, with a disagreement over changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program continuing to hold up progress. At the center of the dispute are new requirements tied to state SNAP error...
Prop 12 battle continues as farm bill stalls again
Yesterday, the Senate Farm Bill failed to pass out of the Senate Ag Committee after Democrats rejected the Republican proposal in a narrow 10-11 vote. Now, the Farm Bill- and all of its attached legislation- does not have a clear path forward. However, groups like the...
Iowa farmers experiencing skyrocketing land values
Farmland values hit all-time highs this year even as the rate of increase has slowed. Farmers and ranchers have experienced firsthand the ever-increasing value of farmland, and a new analysis lays out those numbers. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm...
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Norm ready to take the big stage at 2026 Governor’s Charity Steer Show
Governor Kim Reynolds is participating in her final Governor’s Charity Steer Show as Iowa Governor at this year’s 2026 fair. She is the celebrity show person for Norm, the steer of exhibitor Kayle Englin of Orange City Iowa. Norm’s sponsors are the Iowa Beef Industry...
Celebrating 100 years of Pioneer continues at the Iowa State Fair
August 13th marks the launch of an iconic event for Iowans, the Iowa State Fair. The first day of the fair coincides with an important date for the folks at Pioneer as the company celebrates its 100th year. Doug Reynolds of Pioneer took some time to talk about the...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-14-26)
The export sales report this week didn’t have as much of an impact as the August WASDE report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn markets are keeping an eye on the old crop shipment numbers. McBride said the soybean markets are monitoring the...
Sales of agricultural tractors and combines decline
U.S. sales of agricultural tractors dropped nearly 11% in July 2026 compared to the year before, with combine sales declining more than 5% in the same period. This is according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Canadian agricultural tractor...
Iowa Dairy Princess passes crown at state fair
The Iowa dairy industry has a new set of representatives following the crowning of the 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess and alternate at the Iowa State Fair. Hannah Hagen of Allamakee County was selected as the 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess, while Mae Wiedemeyer, representing the...
