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IDALS issues guidance to protect animals from New World Screwworm
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued the following guidance for livestock producers, pet owners, and veterinarians to help protect animals from the parasitic New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. The guidance comes after multiple cases of NWS have been detected in livestock in Texas and one infestation was confirmed in a canine in New Mexico. All livestock caretakers and pet owners should routinely inspect animals for open wounds. If maggots are detected in an open...
Propane supply chain looking good for 2024 harvest & beyond
The harvest will be here before we know it and it is time to think about getting everything ready for that upcoming season. One of the unsung heroes of our harvest is our grain drying systems. More systems are switching to propane fuels as they get upgraded. Of...
CLAAS FARMPOINT brings repair services directly to farmers
Suffering a breakdown during the crop season can be devastating, especially during planting or harvest. Not only do you have to determine what the problem is and attempt to fix it, but you also have to spend the time driving to the dealership to get the parts you...
USDA forecasts an increasing trade deficit in 2025
The USDA forecasted the agricultural trade deficit to increase sharply to a record $42.5 billion in the coming fiscal year. That compares to $30.5 billion this fiscal year, which ends September 30. The widening trade gap, a source of frustration for many farmers and...
Rebuilding of the beef cattle herd remains on hold
In the two or three years leading up to 2024, drought conditions led to a beef cattle herd contraction that is still in effect. Overall beef cattle numbers in the country remain historically low, and the rebuilding of the herd could be pushed into 2025 or beyond...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-28-24)
While it’s not a huge market factor quite yet, there’s a notable level of dryness in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, has started...
“Safety” is a way of life at Sukup
In the spring and fall we talk a lot about safety on the farm. During our busiest times of the year, it is easy to get in a hurry. Mother Nature doesn’t always give us a large window of opportunity, and you have to make hay when the sun shines. Or in our case at...
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More Ag News
Practical Farmers of Iowa supporting cover crop businesses
For many years, farmers have learned about the benefits of cover crops on their farms. There are plenty of cover crop seed and application businesses to help farmers utilize cover crops, but those businesses can be tough to run and develop, especially if the owners...
Second Trump administration could bring change to trade relations
Will a second administration of President Donald Trump bring progress on trade negotiations with key global partners? U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said exporters will be watching discussions with all trading partners, but...
Senate Majority Leader Thune sets out priorities, including farm bill
New Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated his priorities for Senate lawmakers, including a new farm bill, as the 119th Congress takes office to begin 2025. Thune says his rural upbringing led him to value the land, agriculture, and the importance of...
Ethanol production grows for fourth consecutive week
The Energy Information Administration says ethanol production averaged 1.111 million barrels a day during the week ending on December 27. This was the fourth consecutive week-over-week increase, up from 1.107 million barrels a day during the prior week. In the...
It looks like corn will be crop of choice in 2025
The new year has started, and there is no shortage of insights into what might happen in the 2025 U.S. growing season. Farmers make their decisions based on the markets and the outlook for their crops and livestock. That being said, we are in a situation that has many...
