Top Stories
White mold – the invisible soybean killer
Planting season will be over before we know it, and, unfortunately, that means plant diseases need to be a top priority for farmers to keep track of. In 2024 alone, white mold cost soybean farmers an estimated $281.1 million in yield losses, and the management window for this disease is shorter than many farmers realize. Ken Deibert, technical services representative with BASF, said white mold starts at flowering. Since the disease starts off invisibly, Deibert said farmers can’t wait until...
Another negative Rural Mainstreet Index during May
The Rural Mainstreet Index continued below growth neutral in May. It’s the ninth consecutive month that the survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region stayed in the red. Dr. Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University, says one thing that...
Cattle grazing pasture and rangeland recharging from rainfall
Despite some delays to planting caused by recent rainfalls in the Corn Belt, the moisture boost has helped to recharge the soil and brought relief to many drought-stricken areas. Row crop farmers are certainly welcoming the recent rains, but what about cattle...
Two beef industry bills signed into law by Governor Reynolds
Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law that were high priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). Showcasing the importance, a large crowd gathered at Pat and Laura Blomme’s farm to witness this notable event. The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F....
Building trust in the dairy industry through the checkoff
The dairy industry has faced some scrutiny as of late, especially as it pertains to the safety of products and H5N1, formerly known as “bird flu” and “High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza”. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration...
Highlighting ag trade during World Trade Month
May is World Trade Month, and trade is an important conversation topic for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Brent Boydston, USGC Chair, said World Trade Month is a significant event for the Council. Boydston said the USGC contributes to improving international trade...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-16-24)
Corn and soybeans sales came in within estimates, but they are still leaning towards the lower side of the range. This is not what we want to see with both markets trending lower already. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest export...
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More Ag News
Small changes make the October WASDE report “neutral”
USDA published the October WASDE report at 11am on Friday morning and made slight changes to the numbers that can cause a reaction in the ag markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride says the report was not far off from industry expectations going into Friday,...
Seasonal farm-to-table dinner series to highlight Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Tourism Office and Choose Iowa have partnered with the Iowa Restaurant Association to launch a seasonal farm-to-table dinner series, celebrating the connection between Iowa’s agricultural diversity and its culinary talent. The first dinner will take place on...
August red meat exports show mixed results
Fueled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of U.S. pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). On the other hand, U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in...
Sharing the story of U.S. agriculture overseas
The U.S. Sustainability Alliance was formed to share the stories and values of U.S. farmers, fisherman, and foresters with European audiences. Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President, said U.S. agriculture has a great story to share with EU officials...
IDALS takes custody of 1.3 million broiler chickens after company goes bankrupt
Some poultry producers across the upper Midwest are facing a new challenge in the last couple of days. Producers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which are partnered with Pure Prairie Poultry, Inc., are facing issues with getting feed for their animals. This is just...
