Top Stories
Ernst talks fertilizer costs, trade, and supply chains
Fertilizer supplies and pricing continue to be a major concern for farmers as global tensions and trade uncertainty influence the ag economy heading towards the second half of the growing season. While many producers were able to secure products ahead of spring planting, questions are already beginning to build about fertilizer availability and pricing for fall application and the 2027 crop year. I spoke with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst about those concerns, including domestic fertilizer...
NPPC President-elect preparing to lead organization next year
The World Pork Expo, held every year at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, is an excellent opportunity for pork industry leaders to gather and discuss the top issues they are facing. National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Rob Brenneman is...
Farmers expressing more concerns about Trump’s tariffs
Farmers and other businesspeople are watching the Trump administration's trade strategy very carefully as tariffs, which could directly affect their bottom line, go up and down and back again. Brian Kuehl is Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade and is holding...
Trade mission to Peru is underway
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitely arrived in Lima, Peru, this week to begin an agribusiness trade mission to expand market access. The goal is to boost U.S. agricultural exports to address the $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru....
Brazil’s corn crop surges, exports dip
Brazil continues to pose strong competition in global agricultural trade, and 2025 will be no different. With favorable weather and solid market positioning, the conditions are aligning for another strong year for Brazilian crop production and exports. This growing...
Rural America helping to power AI innovation
Rural America is becoming the home of more data centers to power artificial intelligence. Jeff Johnston, Lead Economist for Infrastructure with CoBank, says the rural areas of the United States are helping to lead the charge forward for AI technology. Johnston says...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-10-25)
Much of the forecast for Brazil and Argentina has remained the same week-over-week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an explanation of the latest weather patterns in South America. Safrinha harvest progress in Brazil is behind the yearly average, but...
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Food Bank of Iowa benefits from Iowa State Fair
One of the most iconic parts of the Iowa State Fair is the food, and there’s always plenty of it. There are also many food competitions that take place in the Elwell building on the west side of the fairgrounds, which do a great job of connecting fairgoers with the...
Draft MAHA Report shows no pesticide restrictions
A draft of the upcoming MAHA report seen by the New York Times will not propose direct restrictions on ultra-processed foods and pesticides that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called “major threats.” If it is adopted, the report on the health of America’s...
Grassley hopeful for year-round E15 legislation in 2025
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that he is hopeful that Congress can pass legislation for year-round E15 sales nationwide in 2025. Grassley adds that if his bill for year-round E15 sales passes, it is likely to happen at the end of the calendar this...
U.S. meat exporters connect with Latin American buyers
Buyers from across Central and South America as well as the Caribbean met face-to-face with U.S. red meat exporters at the 13th Latin American Product Showcase, which is hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the event...
Swanson: Ethanol key to driving Iowa and beyond
The Iowa State Fair has always been a place where farmers and consumers come together, and this year’s Iowa Corn Day put the spotlight on the many ways corn drives the state’s economy. Beyond the food and fuel on display, the Iowa Corn Growers Association used the...
