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Weather will affect how much disease pressure we see in 2026
Due to the beautiful weather we have seen in Iowa recently, which has included some cool and wet nights, tar spot has already been detected in some fields across the state. However, this week’s much hotter temperatures should suppress any additional pressure from tar spot for the time being. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said the weather in July will play a huge role in determining what disease pressure we will see this crop season. Southern rust, which became a...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
Grassley discusses tariff concerns
After taking office last week President Trump announced he is considering introducing import tariffs as high as 25% on Canada and Mexico beginning in February. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the potential tariffs during his weekly ag...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-28-25)
After some needed dryness in Brazil, rain has reentered the forecast. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in South America. Harvest is officially underway in Brazil, which means that planters are also following close behind...
Finishing off an exceptionally dry and cold January
Recently, a large arctic air mass has made its way through much of the United States. This is what caused the subzero temperatures in Iowa, and it’s also what brought snow down to the Southeast. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said that, fortunately, this...
U.S. share of China’s soybean market dropped in 2024
China’s soybean imports from the United States dropped five percent in 2024 from the previous year. Reuters says, “U.S. soybean imports were replaced in the Chinese market by shipments from Brazil and Argentina as fears of a renewed trade war between China and the...
Naig highlights IDALS 2025 legislative wish list
The Iowa Legislative Session is officially underway, bringing new opportunities to address key issues across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has outlined its priorities for this year, focusing on initiatives to support Iowa’s...
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More Ag News
Farming smarter with microbial nitrogen tools
Nitrogen is essential to growing a healthy crop, but it can come with environmental and regulatory challenges. As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for consumers and policymakers, farmers seek solutions that maintain productivity while reducing runoff and...
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
Fiscal year ag trade at the midway point
We have reached the halfway point of the ag trade year, and it is a good time to analyze the numbers for imports and exports thus far. USDA economist James Kaufman says exports are down from last year while imports continue to increase. Kaufman expands on the ag trade...
USDA’s Rollins says Proposition 12 ‘Just not sustainable’
At a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on California Proposition 12 and similar laws that affect livestock production. In response to a question from Committee...
