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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 him a strong fit because of both his farming background and experience in Washington. Ernst says Smith’s confirmation would give Iowa another voice at the federal level during a period of major changes inside the USDA. She says...
News headlines bring negativity to soybean marketplace
Front month soybeans began Monday with a price of $12.14 cents before seeing losses of 70 cents to close at $11.55 and ¼ cents. In addition to continuing conflict in the Middle East and shipping issues in the Strait of Hormuz, comments from President Donald Trump...
Red meat exports mixed to start 2026
U.S. red meat exports were mixed in January, with pork exports trending higher year-over-year and beef trending lower according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were led by another outstanding performance...
Fertilizer supplies and prices are major concerns in 2026
As planting season quickly approaches, now is not the time for there to be questions about the fertilizer supply. The current problems in the Middle East could have a major impact on fertilizer supplies and prices for 2026 and possibly even 2027. Louisiana State...
U.S. ethanol exports slip to start the year
U.S. ethanol exports declined slightly at the start of 2026, reflecting shifting global fuel demand and changing trade flows in the biofuels market. Exports totaled roughly 212 million gallons in January, down about 4% from the previous month, according to industry...
Diversified markets supporting U.S. soybean demand
U.S. soybean exports wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected, even as trade tensions created challenges in some key markets. According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the year finished with the third-highest total soy complex exports ever...
New biomanufacturing device makes biological production more accessible
Researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) have developed a biomanufacturing device that could make it much more feasible for companies to produce biological products on a small scale. Funded by BioMADE, the Continuous Taylor Vortex Fermentor-Extractor-Separator...
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Iowa soybean farmers could see another great crop in 2026
Everybody remembers the diseases issues that plagued the Iowa corn crop last year, but soybeans were able to quietly have a successful year for yields. Chris Pritchett of Pioneer said Z-Series soybeans have gained a strong presence here in Iowa. Every year, the top...
AFBF concerned about proposed UP-NS rail merger
The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads would create the first coast-to-coast railroad across 43 states. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the big concern is the loss of competitive pressure across...
Offering growers options and simplicity with new soybean trait stack
At this year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio Texas, Syngenta announced its new soybean trait stack, Enlist E3® Expance™ soybeans. Jared Benson, head of portfolio strategy for soybeans with Syngenta provides some of the details of the next generation trait stack....
Ag retailers outline 2026 policy priorities
The Agricultural Retailers Association outlined its 2026 Public Policy Priorities, announcing a comprehensive agenda designed to support America’s ag retailers and strengthen the nation’s food and supply chains. The priorities also support science-based, practical...
Equipment market finding stability after volatile swings
After several years of dramatic highs and lows, the farm equipment market may finally be starting to stabilize. Corey Nordhausen with AgDirect says it doesn’t take much of a look back to see just how quickly conditions changed. That surge in demand created tight...
