Top Stories
Secretary Naig announces 33 renewable fuels infrastructure grants to expand E15 access across Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 33 ethanol infrastructure grants during its quarterly meeting on March 11, supporting new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects at fuel retailers in 25 counties across Iowa. The approved ethanol projects represent more than $2.12 million in state cost-share grants and will help fuel retailers install or upgrade equipment needed to offer E15 (Unleaded 88),...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by...
Farmers see big returns with John Deere See & Spray
John Deere’s See and Spray technology continued its rapid climb in 2025 as farmers looked for ways to stretch input dollars, protect yields, and improve application efficiency. What started as a promising tool only a few seasons ago has now grown into one of the most...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-30-25)
As the crops in Brazil enter the critical yield-determining phase, timely rains are finally reentering the forecast. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts for South America. While the crops are virtually all planted in...
Pork is more than just the flavor of the holidays
Family, food, and flavor are coming together as a winning recipe this holiday season with quality U.S. pork products. By showcasing pork’s versatility, flavor, and cultural relevance, the National Pork Board’s campaign is opening the door to new traditions and fresh...
How to maximize crop nutrition
A consistent theme for row crop farmers in 2025 was dealing with tight margins. As farmers are earning lower dollar amounts for their commodities but fertilizer prices remain high, maximizing crop nutrition is important for all growers. Ross Bender of The Mosaic...
Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral
For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a rural ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The December reading hit 50.1, its...
Video
More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-15-26)
As we end off a busy week of government reports, the weekly export sales came in with plenty of activity. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown of the weekly report. China has nearly completed its obligation to purchase U.S. soybeans, so the markets...
Tariff battle heating up on Capitol Hill
The fight over President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is heating up again on Capitol Hill, while the Supreme Court has not ruled on their legality as of Thursday. President Trump turned to tariffs again this week, threatening 25 percent duties against countries like...
Rollins says administration backs year-round E15, but Congress must act
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says year-round E15 sales have the full support of the Trump administration but it’s up to Congress to pass legislation which expands access to E15. Rollins says that President Trump’s early executive order cited year-round E15 as a...
Iowa Farm Bureau sets 2026 legislative priorities
During the 2026 legislative session, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities including property tax reform and the prioritization of tax policies that support farmers and the agricultural...
Agribusiness Association eyes key Iowa legislation
As the Iowa Legislature begins work on the 2026 session, agriculture and agribusiness are once again front and center in policy discussions at the Statehouse. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa states that several proposals this year could directly impact investment...
