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Rollins points to demand drivers for corn
As farmers prepare to get the 2026 crop in the ground, attention is turning to both demand and costs, and how the balance between the two could shape the year ahead. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said efforts are underway to address rising input costs while also working to strengthen demand for U.S. commodities. Rollins pointed to fertilizer, fuel, and labor as key cost factors that continue to impact farm profitability. She...
Farmer bridge payments on track for release this month
The USDA is on track to deliver the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments to farmers. Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, said things are looking good to get that help in the hands of producers this month. Fordyce said...
China’s lockout of U.S. beef continues to be a top issue
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) leaders were on hand as the cattle industry gathered in Nashville for the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention. Top of mind for the industry was the continued lockout of U.S. beef in the China market. USMEF Vice President of Economic...
What to expect in the cattle marketplace in 2026
The cattle industry convention and NCBA trade show was in Nashville Tennessee last week and the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network spoke with Ross Baldwin of AgMarket.net about what to expect in the cattle markets this year. Baldwin tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network that...
Iowa’s Best Burger Contest returns for 2026
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) are proud to announce the return of the Iowa’s Best Burger Contest, inviting Iowans to once again celebrate the state’s favorite beef dish while supporting local restaurants across Iowa....
Stalled renewable fuels growth risks Iowa rural economy
Renewable fuels have been one of the most important demand drivers for Iowa agriculture over the past two decades, helping farmers absorb growing productivity while supporting jobs and investment in rural communities. But industry leaders say that momentum has...
ISA reacts to 45z tax credit news
The soybean markets have seen a ton of support this week, mostly due to the announcement of 45z tax credit guidelines. Soybean farmers across the country have been waiting for this announcement for far too long, and now there is finally a light at the end of the...
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Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in...
Naig voices frustration over stalled federal E15 progress
Federal movement on year-round E15 access remains uncertain as February winds down, leaving biofuels supporters waiting for clearer direction from Congress. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says frustration is growing among ethanol advocates who believed...
