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Ag economy barometer drops in May
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped in May. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, talked about the decline. Farmers appeared to be deeply concerned about current conditions. Langemeier said caution is also showing up in investment behavior. Breakeven prices are expected to climb in 2026. About two-thirds of producers in the survey say they expect war in Iran to impact their bottom lines this...
Helping growers track sustainability and make improvements
In 2026 there are a lot of aspects of conservation and sustainability that a farmer needs to keep track of. Steven Wall is the development manager of sustainability at Syngenta and he tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network about a tool that can help growers measure,...
Lawmakers eyeing war funding package for more farm aid
President Donald Trump will seek a funding package for the war unfolding in Iran, and Republican lawmakers are debating whether to attach wildfire aid and $15 billion in tariff relief for farmers to the package. Four sources told E&E News that senior GOP...
Early weed control key for Iowa Crop yields
As farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, tight margins and lower commodity prices are forcing growers to carefully evaluate every input decision. Weed control remains one of the most important investments early in the season, particularly during the first...
Minor changes to South America production in March WASDE
In the March WASDE report, the USDA made some adjustments to the South American crop estimates. The changes were mostly offsetting, so overall production has not seen much of a change. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said they are waiting for the CONAB...
AFBF President offers solutions to Senate Ag Committee
As farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with a difficult farm economy, the Senate Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing to discuss solutions. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was one of the experts to present testimony before the...
Cattle industry hopeful for expanding trade opportunities overseas
With the current administration in Washington D.C. attempting to rework more favorable trade with international partners, producers have had to show patience. In some cases, they have had to endure short term pain in hopes of long-term gain. Kent Bacus, the executive...
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More Ag News
Taking the guesswork out of fungicide applications
Figuring out when to apply fungicide can be a difficult task. There are certain things farmers can look for, but, overall, it remains mostly as an educated guess. Pioneer has a new tool that will help eliminate that guesswork and maximize yield potential. Trent Brisby...
Ecuador agrees to reciprocal trade agreement with U.S.
On March 13, Ecuador became the ninth country to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. The agreement will take some time to implement, but once in place it will remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. beef and pork exports. U.S....
IDALS awards 30 value-added Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses, and organizations located across the state. Grant recipients were...
Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies
Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition...
Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...
