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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...
Income prospects differ for livestock vs. crop producers
The farm income bottom line is vastly different this year for livestock producers compared to row crop farmers. Spiro Stefanou, Administrator of USDA's Economic Research Service, says that USDA’s farm income forecast for this year shows crop receipts down almost...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline,...
Saving money on inputs doesn’t mean slash and burn
There are many conversations about how farms will save money in 2025. Producers are looking for ways to trim the budget, but cutting corners is a slippery slope. If you slash your inputs too much, your crops could be in serious danger. This year we heard many stories...
Create a financial plan to help navigate tough economic conditions
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers, but those revised estimates still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. However, it’s still possible to lock in some profits for your grain despite some tough...
Will the next administration bring relief to ag trade?
With agricultural import numbers outweighing ag exports over the past couple of years, industry groups are questioning whether or not the new administration will bring relief for ag trade. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said the trade imbalance...
Secretary Naig announces availability of Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is once again offering Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to expand the availability of Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made foods, beverages, and other...
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More Ag News
Landus and Talus Ag announce commercial green ammonia production
Landus and Talus Ag recently announced that they have successfully commenced commercial green ammonia production with the first and only modular systems in North America. In a time when import tariffs are likely to disrupt fertilizer supply chains, having locally...
Stronger cattle placements and marketings in January
The February USDA Cattle on Feed report shows a reduction in cattle and calves in feedlots says USDA livestock analyst Mike McConnell. Despite lower numbers of inventory year over year, McConnell says that there are signals of increased numbers of cattle in feedlots...
Farm bankruptcies up sharply in 2024
Federal courts report that 216 farm bankruptcies were filed in 2024, up 55% from 2023. All but one region had increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings last year. Bankruptcy filings in territories and states outside the contiguous 48 states – designated “Other” by...
Buyers show heightened interest in U.S. beef at Gulfood Trade Show
Gulfood is one of the largest food trade shows in the world, attracting tens of thousands of prospective buyers to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Reporting from a busy USA Pavilion at Gulfood, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the...
Farmers worry about future of conservation assistance funds
Farmers across the country are on edge as the Trump Administration’s sudden spending freezes cast doubt on crucial cost-share payments they were promised. These funds, secured through contracts, are not just bureaucratic line items, they are the backbone of farm...
