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South American Weather and Crop Update (4-14-26)
The weather is drying out a bit in Brazil, which could cause concerns as the second crop corn hits the last stage of growth. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this will be something to watch, but this is also close to the time that Brazil experiences its dry season anyways. McBride said the forecasts have more moisture for Argentina. McBride said soybean harvest is getting very close to completion. First crop corn in Brazil is behind the usual pace, but planting for the safrinha...
Farm bill draft reignites debate over pesticide regulation
The newly introduced farm bill proposal is drawing sharp reactions from environmental advocates over provisions that could reshape pesticide regulation nationwide. The legislation, backed by leaders in Congress and informed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...
Midwest Dairy report shows demand growth
Midwest Dairy’s newly released 2025 Annual Report gives farmers a detailed look at how their checkoff dollars were invested across the ten-state region, with a focus on growing dairy demand, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting future industry leadership....
Biologicals can give your crops another advantage during the growing season
While last year brought its own unique crop challenges, it did provide an opportunity to learn more about the genetics and treatments farmers use for their corn and soybean seeds. Whether it was disease pressure or heat stress, certain treatments allowed crops to...
AFBF applauds grazing MOU between USDA and Department of Interior
The Departments of Agriculture and Interior have recently announced plans to formalize collaboration between the two agencies when it comes to grazing on public lands. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau, said these...
Status of Mexican cattle reentry into the U.S.
One of the biggest questions in animal agriculture is, when will cattle from Mexico once again be allowed across the southern U.S. border? In late February at Commodity Classic, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the border will not be reopened until the...
USDA sets April loan rates as farmers weigh borrowing costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced updated loan interest rates for April, offering a key benchmark for producers making financing decisions ahead of the planting season. Operating loans are set at 4.75%, while farm ownership loans will carry a 5.75%...
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New ARC/PLC acres will be specifically distributed
Thirty million new base acres in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill won’t be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the USDA is electing to distribute those acres in a more organized way. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation...
Helping Iowa’s farmers reduce stress during the busy planting season
Planting season is very similar to harvest in that it is one of the busiest and potentially most stressful times of year for growers. Long days and a lack of sleep can make things difficult for farmers. Add in the uncertain weather and equipment breakdowns and stress...
U.S. beef gains expanded access to Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority recently announced that participation in the Export Verification (EV) Program will no longer be required for U.S. beef exports to Saudi Arabia. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this change, now...
Egg prices ease as poultry producers prepare for spring wildfowl migration
A report from the American Farm Bureau has good news for egg buyers. Egg prices have dropped sharply as production recovers from volatility caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza infections. While detections in January and February rose sharply, with over 15...
Mosaic spotlights residue breakdown ahead of planting
As growers prepare for the 2026 crop season, residue management remains one of the biggest practical challenges in the field. Whether it is corn stalks, wheat straw, canola residue, or terminated cover crops, the balance between preserving soil protection and...
