Top Stories
Extreme heat impacts the Midwest
Extreme heat has been impacting the western two-thirds of the United States in recent days as crops are in critical stages of growth. One example of the intense heat occurred recently in the badlands of South Dakota says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Although temperatures are not expected to be as extreme this week, the threat to crops and grasslands in the Midwest still remains says Rippey. Some relief is on the way with more cloudy skies and expected rainfall, but Rippey says some of the...
Reference price adjustments aim to support farm income
After more than a decade without major updates, reference prices used in federal farm programs are being adjusted, a change that could impact producer revenue moving forward. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke...
Market fundamentals are keeping corn prices low
Even when there have been good news headlines, the corn prices have been resistant to move upwards. Unfortunately, the fundamentals in the corn marketplace just aren’t friendly to a significant price increase. Jacob Burks, chief growth officer at AgMarket.Net, said...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-16-26)
This week’s export sales were strong again for the corn markets. This is exactly what we need to see in order for meet high expectations. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Unfortunately, the soybeans continued...
Upcoming USDA reports to feature key data for hog producers
USDA livestock reports can offer valuable insights into the hog industry. Lee Schulz, Ph.D., chief economist of Ever.Ag, says that reports such as the annual livestock slaughter report, set for release on April 22, can give producers a snapshot of the state of the...
New data shows continued threat to food affordability due to California Prop. 12
Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with...
Filing season shows impact of farm tax changes
Farm families are getting a clearer picture of how last summer’s federal tax changes could affect long-term business planning after working through another filing season. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke...
Video
More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-7-26)
Once again the corn sales were strong this week, and the soybean sales were disappointing. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest U.S. Export Sales Report. Even with the strong corn exports, McBride said the USDA will likely have to make...
Students need career development skills on top of classroom education
Employers today aren’t just looking for diplomas- they want people who can think creatively, lead teams, and solve problems in new and innovative ways. On top of earning an agriculture degree, students at Iowa State University can use the Pathways Program to gain...
Farmers already expect higher breakeven prices in 2027
The Purdue University/CME Group's Ag Economy Barometer declined in April as economic uncertainty caused a dip in farmer optimism for the future of their operations. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, says that corn...
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation names Katherine Mackenzie young farmer program coordinator
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has named Katherine MacKenzie as its young farmer program coordinator. MacKenzie began her Farm Bureau career on April 20, serving as the primary point of contact for young farmer members and working closely with IFBF’s Young...
USDA says Iowa near major weather boundary
Weather conditions across the United States continue to show a sharp contrast between wet and dry regions, and USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says Iowa is sitting near the center of that dividing line. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey...
