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It’s still too risky to ship fertilizer globally
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus in global markets as disruptions have created bottlenecks that are driving input costs even higher. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said it doesn’t matter if the strait is declared open or closed- what does matter is whether or not ships are going through it. Linville said these aren’t the highest fertilizer prices we’ve ever seen, but the main problem stems from the fact that the grain prices don’t reflect the inflated...
Secretary Naig announces pesticide applicator testing options
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will once again offer in-person and online pesticide applicator testing options for commercial and private applicators this spring. The Department...
USMEF Chair recaps discussions at Cattle Industry Convention
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Chair Randy Spronk participated in his first Cattle Industry Convention last week in Orlando. Spronk said he had conversations with cattle producers and other beef industry leaders about the importance of expanding global demand for...
Agoro celebrates 2 million acre mark
Farmers are enrolling more and more acres into conversation practices and carbon market programs. It has been an interesting trend to watch happen over the past few years. Agoro Carbon Alliance has been one of the companies touting their carbon credit program, which...
Short stature corn suits the nature of corn production
One of the newest and most unique developments in seed technology has been the emergence of short stature corn. Believe it or not, there are many different benefits to having shorter corn, like having a greater resistance to wind damage. Myron Stine, president of...
New poll suggests ag economic downturn
A new poll of agricultural economists by Farm Journal shows most expect lower commodity prices, along with the outlook for higher costs, to weigh on the agriculture industry in 2024. Farm Journal has partnered with the University of Missouri to create the Ag...
Tax bill passes in House, some ag senators raise doubts
Members of Congress from ag heavy states helped to push sweeping tax legislation across the finish line in the House, but there may be more resistance ahead in the Senate. The message of House members in favor of the bill, that it will benefit farmers and ranchers,...
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Eight candidates pursue title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess
Eight young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete to win the title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des...
Little flies can cause big problems
Efficient production is the key to the success of any livestock operation. It goes well beyond just the meat and dairy products that we are producing; it also is a huge factor in our herd health. As they say, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.” Or is it...
Farmers tracking pollination and disease pressure in mid-July
At this time of year, our crops are pollinating, and we need the weather to cooperate in order to make sure our yields can be as high as possible. Since we have plenty of moisture in the soil, it’s mostly up to the temperatures to cooperate. Nate Meyer, southwest Iowa...
Edge-of-field conservation practices are simple and effective
Edge-of-field conservation practices aren’t complicated, but they are highly effective at improving water quality. These can be as simple as a grass waterway or a buffer strip beside a small creek, or they can be much more intensive, like a bioreactor at the end of a...
Vilsack discusses expected record farm trade deficit
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says this year’s expected record farm trade deficit is due to a strong U.S. economy and U.S. criticism of a major trading partner, China. Vilsack says the U.S. economy’s strength, with its stronger dollar, is largely to blame for USDA’s...
