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End of July defined by intense market volatility
Just when we thought the markets couldn’t be any more volatile, the grains proved us wrong by dropping 20 cents in the corn and nearly 40 cents in the soybeans. Pressure from the warm and dry weather here in the U.S. and war headlines overseas will keep the markets volatile for the foreseeable future. Michael Weidner, director of grain origination and producer strategy with Landus Cooperative, gave a recap of the last full week of July. Weidner said there was a nice price rally earlier in July...
One Big Beautiful Bill contains both wins and losses for Iowa producers
The reconciliation bill, referred to as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, was signed into law. The reaction across the ag industry was mixed, with many farmers celebrating the tax provisions while also lamenting the cuts to SNAP benefits. Mike Stranz, Vice President of...
Iowa’s wet July fueling foliar disease concerns
The state of Iowa continues to receive persistent rainfall which is leading to near ideal conditions for fungal diseases to flourish. John Long is a retail sales agronomist with Brevant seeds and he covers the southwest and west central portions of Iowa. He says that...
Food spending increases from 2023-2024
USDA says per capita total U.S. food spending increased 3.2 percent from 2023 to 2024, slightly outpacing the 2.3 percent increase in food prices during the same period. That showed a stronger demand for food despite higher prices. However, national trends in sales...
GROWMARK launches the “FS Start to Finish” Brand Campaign
Growmark FS has introduced a new brand campaign, “Start to Finish,” aimed at highlighting the company’s commitment to being a reliable partner throughout every stage of the growing season. Whether it’s selecting the right seed, applying fertility and crop protection...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-10-25)
This week brought yet another great report for U.S. export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are continuing to impress. Soybeans also had an impressive week and nearly set another weekly record. Rounding out the positive feeling from...
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the...
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More Ag News
Continuing to find new uses for American soybeans
The United Soybean Board is driving demand for U.S. soybeans in many ways, with some being more obvious choices than others. One of those underrated focuses is in non-food products like tires and asphalt. United Soybean Board Director Robb Ewoldt- who is also an Iowa...
Farmers facing a perfect storm of economic challenges
Several economic headwinds are combining to create a difficult financial environment for some farmers. Farmers, particularly those raising grain crops, are struggling economically due to a number of key challenges. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the...
USDA in Mexico looking for answers on movement of NWS infected cow
USDA staff in Mexico are investigating how a cow infected with New World Screwworm was transported from southern Mexico to a location only 70 miles from the US border. That is Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Lauren Stump, just days after...
Rollins announces suite of actions to support American farmers
On Thursday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins spoke on the current state of the farm economy in the United States and addressed the ways President Trump is supporting American agriculture. U.S. farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four...
Naig urges vigilance as fall bird flu risk returns
As fall settles in across the Midwest, the return of migratory birds is once again raising concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1. Neighboring states have already confirmed new cases of the virus, a reminder that the threat remains present...
