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Midwest’s premier dairy conference is happening next month
One of the longest-running dairy nutrition conferences in the country will take place again this year from June 3-4 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference- a collaboration between the extension services of Iowa State University, the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin- aims to challenge current industry standards and provide insight into herd health and efficiency. Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa extension...
John Deere Planters & Air Seeder lineup is ready to tackle 2024
With the new year, we know it won’t be long until the planters are getting ready to roll in 2024. Sure, it seems like a while off, but time seems to slip right on past. As you are getting ready for that next growing season, you might be thinking that now is the time...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-2-24)
South America is still thirsty for some rain, especially in Brazil, and it looks like those prayers might get answered over the next couple of weeks. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina....
Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
State pesticide labeling reform a debate for next farm bill
As lawmakers once again prepare to begin work on a new farm bill in 2024, farm bill priorities are being voiced by all parties. One area of the ag sector which could be a candidate for reform in the new farm bill could be the pesticide labeling process. The EPA is...
December rural mainstreet index sank
Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral for a fourth-straight month in December. Based on a survey of bank CEOs in a ten-state region, the index rose to 41.7 from November’s 40.4. That’s still lower than October’s 44.4. The index ranges...
Just when you think the government couldn’t get more absurd
When you're facing crippling federal debt with a government that has no problem spending your money, your kids’ money, and the money of the next three generations, it is no surprise that they are finding new and inventive ways to keep sticking their hands further into...
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“Ring of fire” weather will keep Iowa hot and humid
Seems like this week’s hot temperatures were just a taste of what’s in store for next week. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said next week is supposed to have high temperatures and plenty of rainfall due to a “ring of fire” weather configuration. Glisan...
The importance of agronomy at the U.S. Open
Professional Golf's U.S. Open took place last week at North Carolina's famed Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. But it's not just a matter of the world's best golfers showing up and taking a few swings. Years of course preparation take place in the lead up to the...
Grassley questions increased used cooking oil imports
There is a lot on the line for the future of biofuels as United States farmers are hopeful that demand for biofuels continues to climb with U.S. crops helping to provide the feedstock to help power U.S. trucks and cars. However, one of the issues standing in the way...
First USDA trade mission dedicated to indigenous products
Alexis Taylor, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, is in Vancouver, Canada, for a first-of-its-kind trade mission. The mission is intended to develop export markets for Tribal and Native Hawaiian businesses and products. “This historic...
Don’t hold your breath on a new Farm Bill in 2024
The lines are in the sand and the differences are glaring as we approach what could be one of the greatest exercises in futility the federal government has seen in quite some time. Of course, we are talking about the Farm Bill, which seems to carry all the optimism of...
