As the U.S. continues to have discounted grain in the global market, the export sales need to be following along as countries take advantage of the opportunity for cheaper corn and soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report...
News
USDA lowers forecast for farm production expenses
In most years a farmer can expect to pay more than they did the year before for production expenses. However, in USDA’s new farm income forecast for this year, the report calls for lower production expenses. That is Spiro Stafanou, administrator of USDA's Economic...
What’s keeping farmland prices high?
The farmland market across the Midwest is resilient. While the markets have been pushing lower for almost a year and reaching below breakeven levels, Doug Hensley, President of Hertz Farm Management, says we’ve not seen land prices retreat in a similar fashion. While...
Solinftec’s new docking station takes autonomy to new level
We have talked in the past about Solinftec’s autonomous sprayers that can go around your field, under solar power, and take care of your spraying needs 24/7. However, there have been questions about how often the unit needs attending. Just like with any piece of...
Biden announces $7.3 million investment in rural electrification
President Biden traveled to Wisconsin today to announce an investment of $7.3 billion in affordable and reliable electricity for rural America through the Inflation Reduction Act. Sixteen rural electric cooperatives across 23 states- including Iowa- will be selected...
USDA net farm income report highlights need for new farm bill
The latest Net Farm Income Report shows a 23 percent drop in net farm income compared to 2022. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, says farms losing a quarter of their income isn’t economically sustainable. Duvall says there are a number of...
DEKALB seed technology in the spotlight at The Field of Dreams
DEKALB corn is once again in the spotlight in eastern Iowa, with DEKALB announcing that it is the exclusive corn seed brand featured at the Field of Dreams Movie Site near Dyersville. That is DEKALB brand manager Jamie Horton who says this is the third installment of...
GHX system offers Iowa farmers a year-round seed company partnership
In the past, it seemed like once we got our seeds, our interaction with our dealers was over until it was time to order next year’s seeds. Nowadays, each season is a full year or more from planning to harvest. Seed companies are often the ones providing us with crop...
Secretary Naig announces availability of pesticide applicator testing options
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering in-person and online pesticide applicator testing options for commercial and private applicators this fall. The Department encourages...
SW Iowa crops still looking great heading into harvest
There’s not much time left until harvest season will be upon us in Iowa, and the crops in the southwest part of the state are still looking great. SW Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s expecting a bumper crop for both corn and soybeans this year. Meyer said...