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White House still planning billions in farmer trade aid
Three people familiar with the issue say the Trump administration still intends to roll out an initial payment of up to $12 billion for farmers struggling because of the president’s tariff policies. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said that a program similar to the $28 billion farmer bailout that Trump released during his first term is “all teed up and good to go.” Hoeven did add that it’s being held up by the ongoing government shutdown. There is already a great deal of pressure on lawmakers...
Pork industry balances profit and patience
The latest USDA data is giving pork producers plenty to think about as they look toward 2026. After a year of steady profitability, markets are showing a softer tone heading into fall, but the fundamentals remain solid. The most recent Hogs and Pigs Report provided a...
Feenstra talks farm economy investments from Trump tax cuts
There’s been discussion recently about potential farm economy investments that could result from some tax cuts made by President Trump. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said he’s advocating for benefits like new export markets, among other changes. Feenstra said new...
China proposes a tariff-drop swap with Canada
The Chinese Ambassador recently told a Canadian national television audience that his country is willing to remove its tariffs on Canada’s pork products, seafood, and, by far the largest of the categories, canola oil, seed, and meal if Canada drops its 100 percent...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
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More Ag News
Lessons learned in Northwest Iowa this growing season
At the end of harvest season, it is time to collect the data from the growing season and harvest and determine which management practices made a positive impact. Northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist Eric Bartels says that the timing and number of applications of...
Farmers risk losing billions without reallocation
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing supplemental SRE reallocation volumes to the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes. Clean Fuels America shared the potential impact on U.S. soybean farmers and processors with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. EPA...
R-CALF urges Trump to fix beef market fairly
If you have felt a little sticker shock at the meat counter lately, you are not alone. Beef prices continue to push higher, setting new records seemingly by the week. In many stores, 80/20 ground beef is knocking on the door of seven dollars a pound, and when it does...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-21-25)
The weather looks to be drying out for a good portion of South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. The weather has been cooperative for both corn and soybean planting progress to move along...
Iowa is a great home for USDA research projects
As the USDA looks into decentralizing from Washington, D.C., Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says some research projects should be moved to Ames, Iowa. With our state being a natural hub for agriculture, this change would be a great fit for what the USDA is looking...
