The 2025 annual survey of cash rental rates for Iowa farmland shows that rates decreased, on average, by 2.9 percent in 2025 to $271 per acre. It’s the first decline in cash rents since 2019, after a peak of $279 per acre during the previous two years of the survey. Crop reporting districts saw different results in cash rents, ranging from a drop of 6.9 percent in South Central Iowa to an increase of 2.8 percent in Southeast Iowa.

There was considerable variability across the counties in year-to-year changes, as is typical of survey data. A total of 68 of Iowa’s 99 counties reported decreases in average rents for corn and soybean acres. High-quality land experienced a decrease of 3.4 percent, from $328 an acre last year to $317 in 2025. Medium-quality land dropped 2.5 percent to $271 in 2025, while low-quality land experienced a three percent decrease to $225 per acre.

The 2025 annual survey of cash rental rates for Iowa farmland shows that rates decreased, on average, by 2.9 percent in 2025 to $271 per acre. It’s the first decline in cash rents since 2019, after a peak of $279 per acre during the previous two years of the survey. Crop reporting districts saw different results in cash rents, ranging from a drop of 6.9 percent in South Central Iowa to an increase of 2.8 percent in Southeast Iowa.There was considerable variability across the counties in year-to-year changes, as is typical of survey data. A total of 68 of Iowa’s 99 counties reported decreases in average rents for corn and soybean acres. High-quality land experienced a decrease of 3.4 percent, from $328 an acre last year to $317 in 2025. Medium-quality land dropped 2.5 percent to $271 in 2025, while low-quality land experienced a three percent decrease to $225 per acre.-NAFB

Iowa cash rents drop in 2025

The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving season. The U.S. does have large stockpiles of ethanol that can offset some of the lower production levels in the short term. 

Exports and domestic travel trends will have to be watched in the coming weeks and months when fuel demand typically hits its highest point of the year. During the last four weeks ending on May 23, America’s ethanol production averaged about 1.026 million barrels per day. That’s the best for the period in the last six years but behind the levels of six and seven years ago. U.S. gasoline demand hasn’t been as impressive, with rates similar to year-ago levels.

The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving season. The U.S. does have large stockpiles of ethanol that can offset some of the lower production levels in the short term. Exports and domestic travel trends will have to be watched in the coming weeks and months when fuel demand typically hits its highest point of the year. During the last four weeks ending on May 23, America’s ethanol production averaged about 1.026 million barrels per day. That’s the best for the period in the last six years but behind the levels of six and seven years ago. U.S. gasoline demand hasn’t been as impressive, with rates similar to year-ago levels.-NAFB

Record ethanol production slows ahead of Summer driving

The Des Moines region is now home to the first above-ground B99 fueling pump, an action that was celebrated Thursday morning by leaders in the biofuels, trucking, and soybean industries. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the new pump, which allows certain semi-trucks to fill up with a 99% biodiesel blended fuel, shows a completion of the ag supply chain, from the field to the biofuel refineries and now into a truck. 

"Every time I see this, or think of an infrastructure investment, I just know that that’s more demand pulling through, and what that ultimately means is more demand for the things that we grow, "Naig said. "It adds value every single step throughout the chain. "

The pump is located at a Pilot fuel station in Urbandale, near the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Interstate 35, and for now will be used primarily by PepsiCo trucks which are equipped to utilize the fuel.

The Des Moines region is now home to the first above-ground B99 fueling pump, an action that was celebrated Thursday morning by leaders in the biofuels, trucking, and soybean industries. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the new pump, which allows certain semi-trucks to fill up with a 99% biodiesel blended fuel, shows a completion of the ag supply chain, from the field to the biofuel refineries and now into a truck. "Every time I see this, or think of an infrastructure investment, I just know that that’s more demand pulling through, and what that ultimately means is more demand for the things that we grow, "Naig said. "It adds value every single step throughout the chain. "The pump is located at a Pilot fuel station in Urbandale, near the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Interstate 35, and for now will be used primarily by PepsiCo trucks which are equipped to utilize the fuel.-NAFB

Iowa opens first of its kind biodiesel pump in Urbandale

A federal court ruled Wednesday that an emergency law does not provide President Trump with unilateral authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country. 

The interruption was short-lived after a federal appeals court granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause a lower-court ruling. A federal appeals court has now granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause the Wednesday lower-court ruling that declared an emergency law does not provide President Trump with unilateral authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country — a decision that would have blocked reciprocal tariff announcements dating back to February. 

The original ruling was issued by a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of International Trade. The judges said the sweeping tariffs and other global levies imposed under the International Emergency Economic Power Act were unlawful, which invalidates President Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariff order. 

That order included 30% tariffs on Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on select goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a blanket 10% tariff on most imported goods.

A federal court ruled Wednesday that an emergency law does not provide President Trump with unilateral authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country. The interruption was short-lived after a federal appeals court granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause a lower-court ruling. A federal appeals court has now granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause the Wednesday lower-court ruling that declared an emergency law does not provide President Trump with unilateral authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country — a decision that would have blocked reciprocal tariff announcements dating back to February. The original ruling was issued by a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of International Trade. The judges said the sweeping tariffs and other global levies imposed under the International Emergency Economic Power Act were unlawful, which invalidates President Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariff order. That order included 30% tariffs on Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on select goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a blanket 10% tariff on most imported goods.-NAFB

Trump’s aggressive trade agenda is back on

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the release of congressionally-mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. 

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024, and they do not have to contact USDA to receive payments. 

The Department of Agriculture is stepping up to support livestock producers by expediting disaster payments when drought and wildfires strike. On May 7, it launched its 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page where the status of USDA disaster assistance and block grant rollout timeline can be tracked. 

The page is updated regularly and accessible through fsa.usda.gov.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the release of congressionally-mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024, and they do not have to contact USDA to receive payments. The Department of Agriculture is stepping up to support livestock producers by expediting disaster payments when drought and wildfires strike. On May 7, it launched its 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page where the status of USDA disaster assistance and block grant rollout timeline can be tracked. The page is updated regularly and accessible through fsa.usda.gov.-NAFB

USDA to provide $1 Billion to livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire

President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has silently updated the lease terminations listed on its Wall of Receipts, and USDA offices have been majorly impacted. 

In March, the Wall of Receipts listed nearly 750 government office lease terminations, planned as part of the DOGE agenda to “maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” Now, the number of listed offices is less than 500, and a large chunk of the offices no longer listed are those of USDA agencies. 

One of the USDA offices no longer listed is the Hendersonville Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in North Carolina. Two sources familiar with the office confirmed a change in the office’s lease status last week, one saying the lease had been renewed. This all comes in the midst of Elon Musk’s reported departure from the Trump administration. 

Comparing the current DOGE list, more than 70 USDA agency offices have been quietly removed from the Wall of Receipts. Over half are FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices, which often work the most closely with farmers.

President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has silently updated the lease terminations listed on its Wall of Receipts, and USDA offices have been majorly impacted. In March, the Wall of Receipts listed nearly 750 government office lease terminations, planned as part of the DOGE agenda to “maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” Now, the number of listed offices is less than 500, and a large chunk of the offices no longer listed are those of USDA agencies. One of the USDA offices no longer listed is the Hendersonville Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in North Carolina. Two sources familiar with the office confirmed a change in the office’s lease status last week, one saying the lease had been renewed. This all comes in the midst of Elon Musk’s reported departure from the Trump administration. Comparing the current DOGE list, more than 70 USDA agency offices have been quietly removed from the Wall of Receipts. Over half are FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices, which often work the most closely with farmers.-NAFB

USDA offices disappear from DOGE’s lease termination list

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/06/02155853/30001.wav">HERE</a> to listen

July corn closed down 5 3/4 cents and December corn was down 2 3/4 cents. July soybeans closed down 8 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 9 3/4 cents. July KC wheat closed up 6 1/2 cents, July Chicago wheat was up 5 cents, July MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 1 3/4 cents.

The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.52 at 98.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 6.0 points at 42,288.0. August gold is up $82.10 at $3,397.50, July silver is up $1.71 at $34.74 and July copper is up $0.1720. July crude oil is up $1.78 at $62.57, July ultra-low sulfur diesel is up $0.0427, July RBOB gasoline is up $0.0391 and July natural gas is up $0.249.

July corn futures closed down 5 3/4 cents on Monday to $4.38 1/4. New crop December futures were down 2 3/4 cents to $4.35 3/4. The corn market saw Monday's early upward momentum fade as the session wore on, eventually slipping lower for the session likely as the result of the weight of the sinking soybean complex counteracting the positive pull from the wheat market, especially as wheat prices faded well off their daily highs by afternoon.

In Monday's grain inspections numbers, the USDA reported 62 million bushels (mb) of corn inspected for import for the week ending May 29. This brings total Federal inspections for the year to 1.913 billion bushels (bb), up 29% from this time in 2024. In other old crop demand news, Monday afternoon will also see the release of the latest Grain Crushings report from the USDA which will update corn used for ethanol in April. Through March, corn used for ethanol was running 0.57% ahead of the 2023-24 corn marketing year. Rough estimation from weekly Energy Information Administration data on ethanol production would point to approximately 434 mb of corn crush in April. The market will also be tuned in for the latest Crop Progress report Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. CDT. A recent drier stretch in the northern grain belt has likely been conducive to wrapping up planting, but any acres yet to go in as of Sunday will face a return of wet conditions across most of the eastern half of the U.S. including most major corn growing regions.

In corn technicals for Monday, $4.42 1/2 remains a key level on July futures to watch as it is the lowest close for the board for 2025 thus far. For Monday, the contract came within half a cent of the level but found support. Beyond $4.42 1/2, $4.36 1/2 stands as the lowest price for July futures overall, which was a price which attracted buyers. Upside resistance is seen immediately at the 20-day moving average of $4.50 3/4, which prices failed to hold above on an attempt early Monday.

The DTN National Corn Index finished Friday at $4.20. Monday's futures close and implied corn basis of 24 cents under the July board would indicate the Index on Monday afternoon to be near $4.14.

July soybeans traded 8 1/4 cents lower on Monday, closing at $10.33 1/2. New crop November futures were down 9 3/4 cents to $10.17. The renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China are the clear catalyst for the selling pressure in soybean futures to close last week and again on Monday. Both sides have accused the other of trade violations in recent days. To add to the pressure on soybean prices, ongoing concerns regarding political support for the biofuel industry and the slow progress of the budget bill through the Senate currently.

Export inspections for soybeans for the week ending May 29 totaled 9.9 mb, bringing the total to 1.639 bb or 11% ahead of inspections at the same point in 2024. The USDA is penciling a 9% increase in year over year soybean exports so inspections currently are holding just above the pace needed to hit this goal. In other soybean demand news, Monday afternoon the USDA will release the latest Fats and Oils report with soybean crush data from April. Crush can be expected to come in near 202 mb for April based on the NOPA crush released in the mid-May which was 190.23 mb, as NOPA members typically account for 94-95% of national crush. Oil stocks will also be of interest in light of the recent selloff in soybean oil futures amid shaky biofuel usage through the first quarter of 2025.

In soybean technicals, November soybeans broke below the 50-day moving average at $10.26 3/4 after closing directly even with the mark on Friday. This sets up a move back towards $10.00 to $10.10 as a likely target for bearish traders. The early May low close of $10.18 1/4 is an area of immediate support for prices which held for Monday.

The DTN National Soybean Index finished Friday at $9.92. Monday's futures close and implied soybean basis of 50 cents under the July board would indicate the Index on Monday afternoon to be near $9.84.

July Kansas City wheat closed up 6 1/2 cents on Monday to $5.39 3/4. Chicago soft red winter wheat prices were also higher, while MIAX Minneapolis spring wheat futures also traded slightly higher as well. Last week's late wheat rally was primarily driven by spring wheat futures following the very low initial crop rating released by USDA last Tuesday. However, for Monday, bullishness shifted into winter wheat varieties in reaction to the weekend bombing campaign by Ukraine against Russia.

Wheat export inspections for the week ending May 29 totaled 20.3 mb and brought the running total for inspections for the 2024-25 crop year to 802 mb. The 2024-25 marketing year ended over the weekend, so there will likely be some adjustments to be made for the last few days not captured by Monday's data as well as Thursday's upcoming Export Sales report which will report for the same period. All totaled, given the Census Bureau was running approximately 3.4% ahead of the USDA's shipment estimate through March, a final export figure of nearly 800 mb seems accurate, although again some last minute fine tuning could be expected.

The market will also look forward to the crop update from the USDA Monday afternoon, especially following last week's low score for spring wheat conditions, particularly in North Dakota. Meanwhile, the winter wheat crop has also declined in condition slightly over the past two reports. The last week featured more rainfall across hard red growing regions and significantly reduced drought in central to western Kansas, while poorly rated Nebraska wheat areas also received 1-3 inches. Meanwhile, in world wheat news, Black Sea wheat growing regions are forecasted to remain hot and dry over the next two weeks, while dryness remains an issue across north-central China.

In wheat technicals, July Kansas City futures fell well off their daily highs Monday after failing on an attempt to challenge the 50-day moving average at $5.51, the highest intraday price for July KC wheat in over a month. However, sellers rejected the move for Monday. The low $5.40s is the immediate resistance to prices which stalled rally attempts twice in May. Support is seen first at $5.28 1/4, the 20-day moving average.

The DTN National HRW Index finished Friday at $4.68, while the DTN National HRS Index was $6.03. Monday's futures close and the implied basis of 65 cents under the July for HRW, and 22 cents under the July for HRS, would indicate the Indices for Monday afternoon to be near $4.75 and $6.04, respectively.

By SAMMY HAJEERClick <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/06/02155853/30001.wav">HERE</a> to listenGENERAL COMMENTS:July corn closed down 5 3/4 cents and December corn was down 2 3/4 cents. July soybeans closed down 8 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 9 3/4 cents. July KC wheat closed up 6 1/2 cents, July Chicago wheat was up 5 cents, July MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 1 3/4 cents.The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.52 at 98.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 6.0 points at 42,288.0. August gold is up $82.10 at $3,397.50, July silver is up $1.71 at $34.74 and July copper is up $0.1720. July crude oil is up $1.78 at $62.57, July ultra-low sulfur diesel is up $0.0427, July RBOB gasoline is up $0.0391 and July natural gas is up $0.249.CORN:July corn futures closed down 5 3/4 cents on Monday to $4.38 1/4. New crop December futures were down 2 3/4 cents to $4.35 3/4. The corn market saw Monday's early upward momentum fade as the session wore on, eventually slipping lower for the session likely as the result of the weight of the sinking soybean complex counteracting the positive pull from the wheat market, especially as wheat prices faded well off their daily highs by afternoon.In Monday's grain inspections numbers, the USDA reported 62 million bushels (mb) of corn inspected for import for the week ending May 29. This brings total Federal inspections for the year to 1.913 billion bushels (bb), up 29% from this time in 2024. In other old crop demand news, Monday afternoon will also see the release of the latest Grain Crushings report from the USDA which will update corn used for ethanol in April. Through March, corn used for ethanol was running 0.57% ahead of the 2023-24 corn marketing year. Rough estimation from weekly Energy Information Administration data on ethanol production would point to approximately 434 mb of corn crush in April. The market will also be tuned in for the latest Crop Progress report Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. CDT. A recent drier stretch in the northern grain belt has likely been conducive to wrapping up planting, but any acres yet to go in as of Sunday will face a return of wet conditions across most of the eastern half of the U.S. including most major corn growing regions.In corn technicals for Monday, $4.42 1/2 remains a key level on July futures to watch as it is the lowest close for the board for 2025 thus far. For Monday, the contract came within half a cent of the level but found support. Beyond $4.42 1/2, $4.36 1/2 stands as the lowest price for July futures overall, which was a price which attracted buyers. Upside resistance is seen immediately at the 20-day moving average of $4.50 3/4, which prices failed to hold above on an attempt early Monday.The DTN National Corn Index finished Friday at $4.20. Monday's futures close and implied corn basis of 24 cents under the July board would indicate the Index on Monday afternoon to be near $4.14.SOYBEANS:July soybeans traded 8 1/4 cents lower on Monday, closing at $10.33 1/2. New crop November futures were down 9 3/4 cents to $10.17. The renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China are the clear catalyst for the selling pressure in soybean futures to close last week and again on Monday. Both sides have accused the other of trade violations in recent days. To add to the pressure on soybean prices, ongoing concerns regarding political support for the biofuel industry and the slow progress of the budget bill through the Senate currently.Export inspections for soybeans for the week ending May 29 totaled 9.9 mb, bringing the total to 1.639 bb or 11% ahead of inspections at the same point in 2024. The USDA is penciling a 9% increase in year over year soybean exports so inspections currently are holding just above the pace needed to hit this goal. In other soybean demand news, Monday afternoon the USDA will release the latest Fats and Oils report with soybean crush data from April. Crush can be expected to come in near 202 mb for April based on the NOPA crush released in the mid-May which was 190.23 mb, as NOPA members typically account for 94-95% of national crush. Oil stocks will also be of interest in light of the recent selloff in soybean oil futures amid shaky biofuel usage through the first quarter of 2025.In soybean technicals, November soybeans broke below the 50-day moving average at $10.26 3/4 after closing directly even with the mark on Friday. This sets up a move back towards $10.00 to $10.10 as a likely target for bearish traders. The early May low close of $10.18 1/4 is an area of immediate support for prices which held for Monday.The DTN National Soybean Index finished Friday at $9.92. Monday's futures close and implied soybean basis of 50 cents under the July board would indicate the Index on Monday afternoon to be near $9.84.WHEAT:July Kansas City wheat closed up 6 1/2 cents on Monday to $5.39 3/4. Chicago soft red winter wheat prices were also higher, while MIAX Minneapolis spring wheat futures also traded slightly higher as well. Last week's late wheat rally was primarily driven by spring wheat futures following the very low initial crop rating released by USDA last Tuesday. However, for Monday, bullishness shifted into winter wheat varieties in reaction to the weekend bombing campaign by Ukraine against Russia.Wheat export inspections for the week ending May 29 totaled 20.3 mb and brought the running total for inspections for the 2024-25 crop year to 802 mb. The 2024-25 marketing year ended over the weekend, so there will likely be some adjustments to be made for the last few days not captured by Monday's data as well as Thursday's upcoming Export Sales report which will report for the same period. All totaled, given the Census Bureau was running approximately 3.4% ahead of the USDA's shipment estimate through March, a final export figure of nearly 800 mb seems accurate, although again some last minute fine tuning could be expected.The market will also look forward to the crop update from the USDA Monday afternoon, especially following last week's low score for spring wheat conditions, particularly in North Dakota. Meanwhile, the winter wheat crop has also declined in condition slightly over the past two reports. The last week featured more rainfall across hard red growing regions and significantly reduced drought in central to western Kansas, while poorly rated Nebraska wheat areas also received 1-3 inches. Meanwhile, in world wheat news, Black Sea wheat growing regions are forecasted to remain hot and dry over the next two weeks, while dryness remains an issue across north-central China.In wheat technicals, July Kansas City futures fell well off their daily highs Monday after failing on an attempt to challenge the 50-day moving average at $5.51, the highest intraday price for July KC wheat in over a month. However, sellers rejected the move for Monday. The low $5.40s is the immediate resistance to prices which stalled rally attempts twice in May. Support is seen first at $5.28 1/4, the 20-day moving average.The DTN National HRW Index finished Friday at $4.68, while the DTN National HRS Index was $6.03. Monday's futures close and the implied basis of 65 cents under the July for HRW, and 22 cents under the July for HRS, would indicate the Indices for Monday afternoon to be near $4.75 and $6.04, respectively.