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Study: U.S. producers pay more for inputs than Brazil producers
The National Corn Growers Association says a new study confirms what many farmers have suspected for years: U.S. producers are paying far more for crop inputs than their biggest global competitor, Brazil. The report found American corn farmers paid an average of 68 percent more for seed from 2023 through 2025. Herbicide prices were often nearly double those paid by Brazilian farmers, while insecticide costs averaged 87 percent higher. Some fungicides also cost more than twice as much in the...
Purina enhances value-added cattle support for rancher success
With cattle markets at historically high levels, producers have a unique opportunity to fine-tune their herd's nutrition and health programs without worrying about it negatively impacting their bottom line. Now is the perfect time to reassess and update plans for the...
Ag industry still seeking some more clarity from USDA
The recent USDA guidelines on climate-smart ag practices for biofuel feedstocks has been generally received positively, but there are still some areas that need clarification. Fortunately, there is now a 60-day window for farmers to speak up about what they would like...
Tariff war is the last thing beef producers need
The North American beef cattle herd size is at a 40-year low, after several years of drought and feed shortages in primary cattle regions have taken a heavy toll on cow and heifer numbers. While cattle producers are seeing record-high prices, the beef processing...
EPA nominee Zeldin vows clarity in WOTUS rules, timeliness on RVOs
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin was recently questioned at his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of EPA Administrator. At the hearing Zeldin vowed to provide more clarity on WOTUS rules, timeliness on renewable volume targets, and cooperation with USDA. Zeldin...
U.S. agriculture dominated by family farms
In 2023, roughly 86 percent of all farms were small family farms. A USDA report says these farms have a gross cash income below $350,000 and operate on 41 percent of all U.S. agricultural land. The family farms produced 17 percent of the total value of U.S....
La Niña has brought drier trends back
After a double-dip La Niña in 2022 and 2023, we were relieved to see El Niño return to start 2024, bringing us back a mild winter and more moisture. After a few years of heavy drought, farmers breathed a sigh of relief. However, it was soon announced that we were...
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Caitlin Clark Foundation and Hy-Vee donate over $300k to Feeding America
Today, Hy-Vee and the Caitlin Clark Foundation presented a donation of $300,802.85 to Feeding America at the Food Bank of Iowa. The donation, which is the result of a round-up campaign held across all Hy-Vee stores this past March, will provide three million meals to...
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-6-25)
While the weather is nice and clear in South America, it’s still notably dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather is supportive for harvest progress in the short term, but the dryness could become concerning if it continues for too long. As it has...
Clean fuels industry contributes over $40 billion to U.S. economy
A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages. According to the report, nearly half of the total...
April rainfall delivers drought relief
April delivered on its promise of April showers and helped to shrink drought coverage across the nation with much needed rainfall. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the latest U.S. Drought Monitor looks much improved to begin May. Rippey says that last fall’s peak...
Iowa Corn, Hy-Vee, Growth Energy partner on Unleaded 88 branding
On Monday, Iowa Corn and Growth Energy announced that they have partnered with Hy-Vee to update the branding for Unleaded 88 at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience stores across the Midwest. Unleaded 88 is a fuel blend with 15% ethanol, usable in 96% of today’s cars...
