Areas in Northern Iowa that missed storms and bad weather saw enough moisture and heat units to see big potential become a reality this harvest season.
Dozens of ag champions and producers will leave Washington following the midterm elections. History suggests their firsthand experience won’t be easily replaced — leaving rural America’s voice hanging in the balance.
As producers navigate financial strain and D.C. disconnect, realities such as steep input costs, trade frustrations and E15 limbo are becoming decisive factors shaping the rural vote.
The nation’s corn crop is currently 11% planted, sitting 2 points ahead of the five-year average. Although many Illinois farmers are waiting to plant because of wet conditions, much of the latest national crop progress comes from Illinois and Indiana.
The RFS Set 2 rule is projected to increase net farm income by $4 billion and create a $31 billion market for corn and soybean oil while supporting 100,000 new rural jobs.
Secretary Rollins tells farmers this is just the beginning of a technology overhaul at the agency following years of promises and billions spent on projects with little return.
A minister with the Chinese Embassy calls for a “bigger-picture” relationship and expanded ag investment as Secretary of Agriculture Rollins and Secretary of War Hegseth sign a security pact to protect U.S. food systems.
Beyond China’s political goodwill purchases and Brazil’s soybean showdown, the U.S. is eyeing a 30% surge in domestic processing. To stay resilient, farmers are advised to focus on profit margins rather than volume.
This Wisconsin farm has turned vertical integration into a blueprint for growth by controlling every stage of production, from growing to packing and national distribution, for millions of pounds of potatoes, pumpkins and produce annually.
