August 06, 2025
Farmer Sentiment Grows Weaker
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined in July as farmer sentiment continued to weaken. The barometer fell 11 points from June to register at 135 in July, a reading that came from U.S. farmers’ weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points from the previous month to 127. The Future Expectations Index posted a smaller drop of seven points to 139. Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers’ assessments of current conditions. Despite lower scores on the three principal farmer sentiment indexes, sentiment still remains notably higher than at the same time a year ago. Almost three-fourths of the July survey respondents reported that U.S. policy is headed in the right direction. The Farm Financial Performance Index reflected concerns about weak income prospects for 2025, falling 14 points from June to 90. The Farmland Value Expectations Index was also lower.
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Corn Growers Raise Alarm Over High Input Costs
The National Corn Growers Association sent a letter to the White House detailing the spiraling economic situation caused by elevated prices for fertilizers and other inputs that are critical for growing corn. The letter paints a grim picture in the American countryside. “Unfortunately, the combination of low corn prices, trade uncertainty, and consistently high costs for fertilizers and inputs, including relevant countervailing duties, has resulted in a calamitous environment for farmers who are trying to plan for harvest and next season,” the letter said. “When imports are subjected to antidumping or countervailing duties, the resulting duty contributes to higher prices that are ultimately paid by farmers.” The letter also said fertilizers crucial to growing corn have become exponentially costlier. Phosphates have increased by more than 60 percent during the last decade. At the same time, current corn prices are extremely low, dropping 14 percent since the beginning of 2025.
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Nutrient Stewardship-Minded Growers Honored
The Fertilizer Institute selected three sets of agricultural retailers and their farmer partners as the 2025 4R Advocates. These grower-retailer partners were recognized for their outstanding commitment to implementing nutrient management practices grounded in the 4R principles: applying the Right fertilizer source at the Right rate, Right time, and in the Right place. “Our 2025 4R Advocates are leading the charge in three unique regions when it comes to sustainability and stewardship in agriculture,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “Their dedication to the 4Rs supports healthy soils, strong yields, and a more resilient food system.” Now in its 13th year, the 4R Advocates program showcases the tangible benefits of 4R Nutrient Stewardship through real-world application and field-level results. The 4R framework is designed to provide farmers with research-based, practical tools to improve crop productivity, enhance environmental outcomes, and promote sustainable farming. You can find the winners at the TFI website.
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Workers Sue Hormel Foods Over Sick Leave
More than 1,600 Hormel workers have filed a class action lawsuit alleging that the meat processor violated Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law for 14 months by forcing workers to use vacation time if they called in sick. Tim Louris, the attorney representing the workers at the Austin, Minnesota, plant, said Hormel refused to give most of the production, maintenance, and quality control employees additional paid leave when the sick and safe time law took effect last year. The sick and safe time law requires employers to provide one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked – up to six days a year for a full-time employee. UFCW Local 663, the workers’ union, challenged Hormel, and a labor arbitrator ruled earlier this year that the company couldn’t use paid vacation to comply with the state’s law. Hormel said in a statement that it won’t comment on pending litigation.
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Corn Export Inspections Decline
The USDA said inspections of corn for overseas delivery fell week-to-week, while soybean and wheat assessments improved. The agency’s weekly report said corn inspections dropped to 1.21 million metric tons in the seven days ending on July 31. That’s down from 1.53 million tons the previous week and the 1.27 million tons assessed during the same week last year. Examination of soybeans for export rose to 612,539 metric tons, up from over 427,000 the prior week and well ahead of the 267,000 tons inspected at the same point last year. Wheat assessments were reported at just shy of 600,000 metric tons, up from 290,000 tons a week earlier and 471,500 tons a year ago. During the current marketing year, the USDA has inspected 61.6 million metric tons of corn for offshore delivery, 47.8 million metric tons of soybeans, and 3.91 million tons of wheat, with all of those totals higher than last year.
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Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol
Over the weekend, the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race took to the track at the Iowa Speedway. Over 40,000 fans gathered to see the power and performance of ethanol, a product grown by Iowa’s corn farmers. “The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race is like no other,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “Over half of Iowa’s corn crop is processed into ethanol, making it our largest market.” Lents also said the fact that the race not only demonstrates the power and performance of ethanol but also showcases Iowa corn farmers’ sustainable practices growing one of the state’s most versatile crops used for fuel, feed, food, and 4,000 everyday products. In 2024, ethanol production added $437 million to the value of Iowa’s corn crop, lifting corn prices an average of 18 cents a bushel since 2002, and saving consumers $11 billion at the pumps.
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