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Tariff battle heating up on Capitol Hill
The fight over President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is heating up again on Capitol Hill, while the Supreme Court has not ruled on their legality as of Thursday. President Trump turned to tariffs again this week, threatening 25 percent duties against countries like China, India, and the EU. Each of these are doing business with Iran, which is crushing a nationwide uprising with deadly force. Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented on whether the U.S. is on the cusp of new trade wars with...
U.S. “high value” exports on the rise
Bulk ag commodity exports such as soybeans and wheat were running 8% behind a year ago after 10 months of 2024 but the story is much different for “high value” ag export products. That is USDA economist Bart Kenner who says that sales of U.S. fruit and fruit products...
Secretary Naig announces water quality partnership project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has formed a public-private partnership with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to...
Looking back at some of the year’s market performance
As we are halfway through the last normal trading week of the year, we looked back at some of the trends in different areas of the markets, especially the ones that seemed to make the biggest splashes. On the grain side, it hasn’t been the rosiest picture by any...
Charitable giving can be part of end-of-year tax plans
As we approach the end of 2024, now is a great time to prepare for tax season. There are plenty of things you can do to set yourself up in a better position before you need to file. Matt Roberts, chief planning officer with Syverson Strege, said that, if you plan on...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-17-24)
It’s smooth sailing for the crops in South America right now, as the weather has been fairly cooperative recently. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. Since the weather has been good, the crop...
Legislators want verification of used cooking oil imports
Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa joined bipartisan colleagues in demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding used cooking oil imports. The lawmakers want information on the agency’s process for verifying the authenticity of the...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-6-25)
Despite the tariff news weighing in on the ag marketplace, the export sales this week came withing expectations, which is better than what we have been seeing recently. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn. While the soybean...
Ag economy has been trending below growth neutral
A monthly survey of bank CEOs in 10 Midwestern states shows a dismal outlook. The report shows the February score fell to 38 on a zero to 100 scale, where 50 is growth neutral. This is the seventeenth time the score has been below growth neutral in the past eighteen...
Cattlemen waiting to see the impact of tariffs on bottom lines
As the tariff back-and-forth continues between the United States and some of its most important ag trade partners various ag groups are intently watching for the effects on producers’ bottom lines. Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,...
Nominate a conservation leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award
Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families who are conservation leaders in their community for the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The award...
Skor optimistic about future of E15 and biofuels
The future of biofuels, particularly E15, remains a crucial element in Expanding E15 availability could boost the agricultural sector and reduce reliance on foreign oil. However, overcoming regulatory barriers and updating fueling infrastructure will be essential for...
