Local, State & Ag News
Soybeans manage modest gains despite drop in crude oil
Soybeans were higher on short covering and technical buying, taking the path of least resistance to start this week after last week’s bearishness. The much talked about high level, face-to-face
Closing Grain and Livestock Futures: March 23, 2026
May corn $4.59 and 1/2, down 6 centsMay soybeans $11.63 and 1/2, up 2 and 1/4 centsMay soybean meal $326.60, down $1.40May soybean oil 65.58, up 7 pointsMay Chicago wheat
Rainfall deficit in the Delta adds more uncertainty at planting
Rice agronomist Jarrod Hardke with University of Arkansas Extension says the extremely dry soils are a serious concern as planting begins. “The majority of the Delta region of Arkansas would
Middle East conflict could shape U.S. and China trade negotiations
A former diplomat says ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could impact trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Kurt Campbell is the former Deputy Secretary of State for the
USDA’s February egg numbers point to rising supplies
U.S. egg production shot higher in February and it looks like supplies are going to get larger. The USDA says 8.367 billion eggs were produced last month, rising 5% on
Rising input costs could impact 2026 U.S. planting decisions
An ag economist at Ohio State University says ongoing price volatility could shift U.S. corn and soybean planting decisions in 2026. Barry Ward says rising input costs are the biggest
Preparing for Spring
Planting season will start soon, and Missouri Soybean Association board member Daniel Carpenter from west-central Missouri says budgets are tighter for farmers heading into the season. The post Preparing for
Strait of Hormuz tensions fuel market volatility
A delayed ultimatum from President Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is keeping volatility in corn, soybean and wheat futures prices as the week begins. Garrett Toay
Midwest senators introduce fertilizer bills to boost transparency, expand U.S. production
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators from the Midwest have recently introduced legislation addressing the rising cost of fertilizer and market consolidation. The Fertilizer Transparency Act, sponsored by U.S. Senators
Farm Succession Planning Event in Peosta on Tuesday
Some Iowa farmers may wonder what’s entailed in passing their ag operations on to the next generation, whether that’s years down the road or sooner, rather than later. An event
