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Multiple diseases threaten Iowa corn crop
Southern rust has now been confirmed in several Iowa counties, but crop experts say this year's situation looks much different than the widespread outbreak growers experienced in 2025. Even so, they caution that producers should continue scouting fields, as southern rust is only one of several diseases capable of affecting corn during the critical grain fill period. Gail Stratman with FMC says last year's outbreak developed under nearly ideal conditions for southern rust. Infections arrived...
Markets decided to sell off in reaction to July WASDE
There were slight expectations that the USDA would adjust corn yields in this month’s WASDE report, but that did not end up happening. And while the report as a whole was still fundamentally friendly to the marketplace, the commodity prices did not like missing out on...
One Big Beautiful Bill contains both wins and losses for Iowa producers
The reconciliation bill, referred to as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, was signed into law. The reaction across the ag industry was mixed, with many farmers celebrating the tax provisions while also lamenting the cuts to SNAP benefits. Mike Stranz, Vice President of...
Iowa’s wet July fueling foliar disease concerns
The state of Iowa continues to receive persistent rainfall which is leading to near ideal conditions for fungal diseases to flourish. John Long is a retail sales agronomist with Brevant seeds and he covers the southwest and west central portions of Iowa. He says that...
Food spending increases from 2023-2024
USDA says per capita total U.S. food spending increased 3.2 percent from 2023 to 2024, slightly outpacing the 2.3 percent increase in food prices during the same period. That showed a stronger demand for food despite higher prices. However, national trends in sales...
GROWMARK launches the “FS Start to Finish” Brand Campaign
Growmark FS has introduced a new brand campaign, “Start to Finish,” aimed at highlighting the company’s commitment to being a reliable partner throughout every stage of the growing season. Whether it’s selecting the right seed, applying fertility and crop protection...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-10-25)
This week brought yet another great report for U.S. export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are continuing to impress. Soybeans also had an impressive week and nearly set another weekly record. Rounding out the positive feeling from...
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Naig urges vigilance as fall bird flu risk returns
As fall settles in across the Midwest, the return of migratory birds is once again raising concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1. Neighboring states have already confirmed new cases of the virus, a reminder that the threat remains present...
Farmers need to be thinking about next year’s weed control
As harvest approaches, now is a great time to be evaluating how this crop season went in preparation for next year. Travis Ralfs, territory account manager with Valent, said weed control should be at the top of the list for soybean farmers in particular. Weeds like...
Warm weather to continue through the end of the month
The warm weather that has been present throughout much of the nation during the middle portion of September is expected to continue through the end of the month and beginning of October. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the 8-14 day outlook for the period of...
TFI praises Congressional support for phosphate as a critical mineral
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised members of Congress in both chambers for joining a letter sent to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of adding phosphate to the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The letter, a...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-25-25)
This week’s export sales are continuing the usual trends. Corn sales are doing very well, while soybeans continue to struggle. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers. While this week’s soybean sales weren’t terrible on their...
