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Naig stresses value of USMCA framework
Trade agreements often receive the most attention when negotiations become contentious, but for Iowa agriculture, their greatest value is often found in the stability they provide. Canada and Mexico remain Iowa's two largest international trading partners, making the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement an important part of the state's agricultural economy. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said while there are issues that still need to be addressed between the three countries, the agreement...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-12-24)
The rainy monsoon season is continuing to bring plenty of moisture to the fields in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is continuing at a good pace as well....
Ag exports dropped slightly in FY 2024
Fiscal year 2024 ended September 30th and the final fiscal numbers of the year are now available. Total exports for the year were $174.4 billion dollars, which was slightly better than expectations. However, USDA economist Bart Kenner says export values were still...
AFBF announces first Veteran Farmer of Excellence award
A new award recognizes veterans or service members for excellence in farming and positively impacting their communities. Retired Army Colonel Joe Ricker of Indiana is the first winner of the American Farm Bureau’s Veteran Farmer of Excellence Award. Ricker served 30...
What could tariffs mean for fertilizer in 2025?
We are a week removed from the Presidential election, and President-Elect Trump is already assembling his teams for the transfer of power in January. One of the things the American and Global economies will be paying close attention to is whether Trump follows through...
Cost down to raise 2025 corn crop
Looking ahead to the 2025 corn crop, one company says the cost to raise that crop is down. Farmers National Company says 2025 crop inputs are expected to see a slight reduction compared to 2024. While some farms may experience increased costs for specific reasons,...
Supporting veterans who are in need of food
On this Veterans Day, take a moment to think of the veterans who may be living in less fortunate conditions. Nearly 1.5 million veterans in the U.S. are living below the federal poverty level, and veterans living in poverty are at higher risk than nonveterans for food...
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More Ag News
Sources of optimism and concern heading into growing season ’25
The winter of 2024-2025 has not provided much moisture to the state of Iowa to help replenish the soil moisture profile. Last week’s rainfall provided a much-needed shot to the arm but overall, the winter has been mostly mild with little in the way of rain and snow....
Secretary Naig invites applications for Century and Heritage Farm recognition
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig invites eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the...
Tepid response to March WASDE report
Expectations were low for the March WASDE report, and those expectations were met almost squarely on the nose. This is typical for the March WASDE report, as the markets are already looking ahead to the reports at the end of the month. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Corn growers pushing to get year-round access to E15
The National Corn Growers Association recently put out a call to action to help push year-round E15 across the finish line. Neil Caskey, CEO of the NCGA, said securing permanent access to E15 would be a significant boost for a tough ag economy. Year-round E15 wouldn’t...
Talking soy export wins and trade dynamics with USSEC
Despite the challenges facing the agricultural economy, there are still reasons to be optimistic—especially regarding the soybean trade. Recent numbers reveal promising gains, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. soybeans on the global market. These...
