Local, State & Ag News
Analyst says strategic trade moves could boost U.S. farm outlook
A market analyst says trade challenges must be addressed to strengthen the outlook for farmers and ranchers. “We’re going to have to make our peace with China,” Dr. Andrew Muhammad
House subcommittee hearing focuses on WTO reform as U.S. agriculture continues to face trade challenges
Some lawmakers say reform to the World Trade Organization could provide better support to U.S. agriculture. During a U.S. House Ways and Means trade subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Chairman Adrian Smith of
Ethanol supporters say E-15 brings much cheaper pump prices
Gasoline prices in Iowa have surged 88 cents a gallon in the past month, and backers of biofuels say the blend with 15% ethanol helps consumers save money. Nick Bowdish,
Michigan potato farmers warn solar development causes farmland access and food safety issues
Michigan potato farmers say expanding solar developments are raising concerns about both immediate and long-term access to farmland. Kelly Turner with the Potato Growers of Michigan says processors won’t accept
Cash dairy prices steady to higher Tuesday
Cash dairy prices were steady to higher again on Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey remained unchanged at $0.66. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.03 for a second straight day at $1.59. No sales were recorded. Cheese barrels were up $0.01 at $1.54. No sales were recorded. Butter was unchanged at $1.85. Seventeen sales
U.S. exploring Venezuelan fertilizer purchases
The chief economist with The Fertilizer Institute says the Trump administration’s move to facilitate purchases of Venezuelan fertilizer products could eventually provide some relief for farmers facing high prices.
The Family Leader endorses Steen in Iowa governor’s race
A Christian conservative group that’s influential in Iowa Republican Party politics is endorsing Adam Steen’s bid for governor. The Family Leader’s CEO Bob Vander Plaats already gave Steen his personal
Analyst: weather conditions largely support South American crops
A market analyst says weather is generally favorable for South American corn and soybean producers. Don Roose, president of U.S. Commodities, tells Brownfield conditions can vary widely from northern Brazil
Ongoing drought threatens Western Corn Belt production outlook
An ag meteorologist says there’s no end in sight for on-going drought in the parts of the Western Corn Belt. Eric Hunt with the University of Nebraska Lincoln says conditions
Global market access challenges mounting for U.S. rice producers
Deputy Ag Secretary Stephen Vaden says global market access is becoming increasingly difficult for U.S. rice producers. “Rice is now one of the most distressed commodities,” he said Tuesday, “particularly
