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Pro Farmer Crop Tour concludes, projects lower corn, higher soybean yields vs. 2025
Pro Farmer is projecting a smaller U.S. corn crop in 2026 after its annual Crop Tour found lower yield potential across much of the Corn Belt. The organization estimates the national corn yield at 173.2 bushels per acre, with production totaling 15.344 billion bushels. The yield forecast is about 5% below 2025 levels and marks the first time in three growing seasons that Pro Farmer has not projected a record yield. Pro Farmer economist and Eastern Crop Tour lead Lane Akre said samples showed...
Secretary Naig presents 2026 Ag Leader Awards for outstanding contributions to Iowa agriculture
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in...
Nitrogen ROI matters more in 2026
With tighter crop margins forcing farmers to scrutinize every input dollar this season, nitrogen management remains one of the biggest opportunities to protect return on investment. Ron Calhoun with Nutrien says the focus is not simply cutting nitrogen, but improving...
Taking the guesswork out of fungicide applications
Figuring out when to apply fungicide can be a difficult task. There are certain things farmers can look for, but, overall, it remains mostly as an educated guess. Pioneer has a new tool that will help eliminate that guesswork and maximize yield potential. Trent Brisby...
Ecuador agrees to reciprocal trade agreement with U.S.
On March 13, Ecuador became the ninth country to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. The agreement will take some time to implement, but once in place it will remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. beef and pork exports. U.S....
IDALS awards 30 value-added Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses, and organizations located across the state. Grant recipients were...
Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies
Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition...
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Rural lenders eye finish line for overdue Farm Bill
After years of delays and temporary extensions, the long-awaited Farm Bill could finally move forward as lawmakers prepare to bring it to the House floor this week. For agricultural lenders like Farm Credit, the bill represents far more than traditional farm programs....
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-28-26)
The weather in Brazil is continuing to dry out, which is causing concerns as the crops go through the critical pollination phase. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. McBride said harvest is slowly...
Now is a great time for cattle producers to make succession plans
Farm and ranch families across the country are beginning to realize that succession planning can’t wait any longer. Dr. Shannon Ferrell, an agricultural economist at Oklahoma State University said now is a great time to think about succession planning with the current...
Grassley discusses path forward for permanent E15 legislation
A recent introduction of an amendment to the House farm bill would permanently allow nationwide, year-round sales of E15 and would help provide certainty to corn growers and fuel retailers. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the decision to...
Secretary Naig thanks Iowa Senate for unanimous passage of Iowa Farm Act
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today thanked the Iowa Senate for its unanimous passage of the Iowa Farm Act, Senate File 2465, by a vote of 47-0. “I appreciate members of the Iowa Senate for their support in advancing the Iowa Farm Act with a strong...
