Top Stories
Tight margins make financial analysis critical
As many farmers continue to navigate a difficult economic environment, understanding the financial health of their operations has become increasingly important. While many producers complete financial statements to satisfy their lenders, one agricultural attorney says those records should be used as management tools that help guide business decisions throughout the year. Austin Peiffer, an associate attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, says regularly reviewing financial records...
Hot and humid conditions and the impact on agriculture
This week in Iowa has been hot, humid, and wet with frequent rainfall and humidity that has stressed humans and livestock. Iowa is not alone as the United States has featured wide swaths of similar weather. The extremes of the hot and humid weather have been felt in...
Smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1973
The July Cattle on Feed Report offered little relief to customers paying higher prices for beef. That’s despite the cycle of herd liquidation that seems to be slowly ending. There were 94.2 million cattle and calves in the U.S. as of July 1, the lowest mid-year number...
Iowa farmers urged to keep tar spot from ruining bumper crop
Iowa has received plenty of rain recently, and the temperatures have finally cooled off as well. On top of that, we’re looking at one of the biggest crops in recent history. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s not sure that he’s ever seen such a big...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-30-25)
The weather in South America has still not changed much, with farmers in Brazil and Argentina seeing mostly clear and dry conditions. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there are scattered rain showers, but otherwise the weather remains status quo. The dry...
Basis matters now, say Midwest ag economists
Tight corn supplies might normally trigger a rally in the market, but so far, that hasn’t been the case. Despite strong demand and dwindling stocks, futures prices have stayed relatively steady. That’s because—while the numbers show a squeeze—markets may be confident...
Argentina makes permanent tax cuts to ag exports
Recently, Argentina President Javier Milei announced permanent export tax cuts for a wide variety of agricultural commodities. The biggest impact globally will be seen in the soybean marketplace, as Argentina is the world’s largest exporter of soybean meal. Allendale...
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More Ag News
Outside of the grains, some markets are still seeing price movements
While the grain markets don’t have very much news to trade on due to the government shutdown and a lack of data, the other commodities- including cattle- are still able to see some positive price movement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there’s a lot of...
Farmers must have a voice in upcoming USMCA review
With the U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade deal facing a 2026 review, ag leaders say farmers must have a strong voice. Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith recently hosted USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg to hear from producers....
New research shows benefits of expanded ethanol access
If Congress passed legislation that allowed for year-round, nationwide access to E15 fuel, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50 percent at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn. New analysis from the National Corn Growers Association says...
Strong potential for U.S. beef and pork in UK
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair-Elect Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Boise-based Agri Beef Co., recently traveled to the United Kingdom on a trade mission with Idaho Governor Brad Little. Theiler said the group met with...
From Ames to Iowa City, everyone cheers for Iowa dairy
Fall is well known for its tailgating fun at sporting events across the country, and nowhere is that tradition stronger than right here in Iowa. Whether you are grilling up cheeseburgers outside Jack Trice Stadium or reaching for the ranch and blue cheese to go with...
