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Mid July weather forecast favorable for crop development in Iowa
As the calendar approaches the midway point of July the weather forecast appears to be lining up to provide near ideal conditions for a critical segment of the growing season. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the 8-to-14 day outlook for July 15th-21st shows a weather pattern very favorable for crop development in Iowa. Rippey says that moisture is needed for crop growth at this point of year because of the amount of evaporation taking place. He adds that rainfall during the reproductive...
Oil prices facing extreme volatility following U.S. bombings in Iran
On Saturday, President Trump had the U.S. military launch a series of coordinated bombings against three nuclear facilities in Iran. With this major escalation, Iran’s government is now deciding how to respond, and they have already issued a warning of “dangerous...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 1)
Back in May, I spoke with Dr. Ashley Johnson, Director of Food Policy for the National Pork Producers Council, during a visit to Washington, D.C., about the importance of maintaining science-based dietary guidelines. During that conversation, she acknowledged the...
Blast furnace-like conditions will scorch Iowa this weekend
The entire state of Iowa is in a heat advisory for this weekend- and if you’re in western Iowa, the heat is going to be so extreme that going outside will be ill-advised. Apparently, Mother Nature wanted to kick off summer by turning up the heat lamp all the way to...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-20-25)
While it was overshadowed last week, this week’s export sales were able to enter the markets with some positive news. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a great week for corn sales. Soybean sales were more interesting, as the new crop side is behind...
Ag Secretary Rollins details five-step plan to battle New World screwworm
On Wednesday U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s ability to detect, control, and eliminate the pest. The...
Groups applaud Supreme Court decision on Small Refinery Exemptions
The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy reacted positively after the Supreme Court issued its opinion that the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals is the proper venue for challenging Small Refinery Exemption decisions. “This is a victory for the...
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Central Iowa farmer experimenting with cover crops
As we learn more about the benefits of cover crops, we’ve seen increased adoption of them across the state. One farm in Boone is even applying those cover crops to a different product: pumpkins. Jeremy Gustafson, a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa, gave a tour of...
Iowa 4th of July cookouts still at record-high costs
As Americans all across the country are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day, families planning a cookout celebration should plan to spend about the same as they did last year. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said...
Storms, wind, and hail testing the resilience of northwest Iowa crops
Early in the growing season, as spring transitions to summer, the weather can be unpredictable and difficult to deal with for growers. Eric Bartels is a northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist, and he says that June has delivered no shortage of weather challenges to...
Applications now open for the 2026 ASA – Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program
If you are passionate about farming, ready to connect with agricultural industry leaders and grow your leadership skills, the Young Leader Program is for you! Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2026 ASA...
Expanding corn markets a top NCGA goal
U.S. corn growers face mounting challenges in marketing their crop abroad, from persistent ag trade deficits to being undercut by Brazilian corn during their peak harvest season. Shifting global demand has made it harder for American producers to stay competitive....
