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Recapping a volatile week in the grain markets
President Trump’s meeting with China President Xi Jinping is over, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like there was much discussion about agriculture. The ag industry was hoping for some official trade deals, but all we’ve seen so far are verbal agreements between the U.S. and China. However, we don’t know everything yet, so there is still time to get some good news. Curt Kimmel of AgMarket.Net said there was a lot of optimism in the grain markets heading into this meeting. Surprisingly,...
One Big Beautiful Bill contains both wins and losses for Iowa producers
The reconciliation bill, referred to as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, was signed into law. The reaction across the ag industry was mixed, with many farmers celebrating the tax provisions while also lamenting the cuts to SNAP benefits. Mike Stranz, Vice President of...
Iowa’s wet July fueling foliar disease concerns
The state of Iowa continues to receive persistent rainfall which is leading to near ideal conditions for fungal diseases to flourish. John Long is a retail sales agronomist with Brevant seeds and he covers the southwest and west central portions of Iowa. He says that...
Food spending increases from 2023-2024
USDA says per capita total U.S. food spending increased 3.2 percent from 2023 to 2024, slightly outpacing the 2.3 percent increase in food prices during the same period. That showed a stronger demand for food despite higher prices. However, national trends in sales...
GROWMARK launches the “FS Start to Finish” Brand Campaign
Growmark FS has introduced a new brand campaign, “Start to Finish,” aimed at highlighting the company’s commitment to being a reliable partner throughout every stage of the growing season. Whether it’s selecting the right seed, applying fertility and crop protection...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-10-25)
This week brought yet another great report for U.S. export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are continuing to impress. Soybeans also had an impressive week and nearly set another weekly record. Rounding out the positive feeling from...
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the...
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More Ag News
Proper hybrid selection is vital to a successful crop year
When it comes to mitigating risk for a given crop season, proper hybrid selection is key. AgriGold Agronomist Steve Schany said they have a highly diverse seed portfolio, so producers can more easily pick a specific hybrid that works for their farm. Schany said there...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-11-25)
With the end of the old crop marketing year, this week’s export sales were a little deceiving at first glance. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales were good this week, but they were slightly inflated by old crop carryover. It was a similar story...
Grassley says he will push for year-round E15 in defense bill
The ethanol industry says that year-round E15 is a national security issue and belongs in the annual defense bill which is now before Congress. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that he supports year-round E15 as part of the bill and he has others in...
60 Choose Iowa members to welcome guests for the Choose Iowa farm open house
Sixty Choose Iowa members from across Iowa will welcome guests on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 and 14, for the first ever Choose Iowa Farm Open House. Interactive Map: All Statewide Stops Iowans and tourists visiting our state are invited to discover the state’s rich...
Nitrogen response clear, profitability still the question
Few inputs carry more weight in corn production than nitrogen. It fuels yield potential, but it also drains farm budgets at a time when fertilizer prices remain elevated. Ongoing research is helping to refine our understanding, confirming long-held practices while...
