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U.S. soybean farmers face higher input costs than Brazilian producers
U.S. soybean farmers spend considerably more per acre on production inputs than their counterparts in Brazil, according to a new Farmdoc daily report. The report estimates total input costs average 616 dollars per acre in the United States, compared with 416 dollars in Brazil. Seed costs account for part of the difference, with U.S. farmers spending an average of 66 dollars per acre, compared with 43 dollars in Brazil. But the cost picture varies by input. Brazilian farmers spend more on...
Rollins visit brings $10 million for Iowa conservation
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins brought a significant investment to Iowa during her visit to Cedar Rapids earlier this week, announcing $10 million in federal funding to expand the state's Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike...
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
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Investments in rural America
USDA Rural Development investments during the past fiscal year demonstrate the diverse areas of support for rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith gives the data for the past fiscal year. Smith says that...
Fertilizer prices continue rising as farmers prepare for 2027 growing season
Fertilizer prices continued climbing in October, adding pressure to American farmers already struggling with tight profit margins and elevated production expenses. According to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey, seven of eight major fertilizers increased in price...
Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
Trade policy affecting farmer voting decisions nationwide
Midterm elections are less than a week away, and the farm community has been a hot topic among many of the candidates running for office. There are many ag issues to consider, but one of the most impactful issues from the federal government has been the Trump...
Gut health key for the youngest in the herd
Dairy calves are an investment in the long-term success of an operation. That’s why the dairy industry is so invested in researching genetics and nutrition. Olivia Genther-Schroeder, a dairy feed research scientist with Purina Animal Nutrition, says gut health is an...
