Top Stories
Farm bill talks intensify in Congress
Congressional leaders are preparing for renewed debate over the next Farm Bill. Producer organizations are pressing lawmakers to strengthen the farm safety net as growers face weak crop prices, elevated borrowing costs and uncertainty over export demand. Reuters reports commodity groups have called for updates to reference prices, expanded crop insurance support and disaster assistance. The Farm Bill governs major programs including commodity payments, conservation incentives, rural...
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-30-23)
The new marketing year has been slowly improving, and that continues with this week’s export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales in particular caused a bit of a stir in the grain markets. McBride said the persistent soybean flash sales...
Fungal disease pressure still prevalent with hot and dry conditions
With harvest 2023 complete and the cold winter months just around the corner, now is a great time to study the ’23 growing season and lessons learned. Kim Tutor is a technical marketing manager with BASF and she says that despite the widespread hot and dry conditions...
Increasing Iowa Conservation Options
A lot of options when it comes to improving sustainability on your farm and in a lot of cases there's cost share available. Of course, cover crops are an increasingly popular sustainability option, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture is starting sign-up on...
USGC 2023/24 corn harvest report shows largest crop on record
According to the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2023/2024 Corn Harvest Quality Report, the 13th such annual survey published globally today, the 2023 U.S. corn crop is the largest on record with the lowest percentage of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) to date....
IDALS opens Cover Crop Insurance program sign up Dec 1st
Iowa has been working hard to set an example to other states as a leader in nutrient reduction in the soil and water. Farmers are doing what they can to use more eco-friendly practices intended to do a better job of protecting our resources. Even though much has been...
Biologicals are more than just a blanket term
In the ag industry, the term “biologicals” is often used as a blanket term. However, it’s supposed to be used to refer to naturally occurring inputs. Jason Little, vice president of ecosystem strategy with Indigo Agriculture, said they specialize in biologicals around...
Video
More Ag News
In times of need, access to food is the top priority
Following the devastating tornadoes that ripped across Iowa this week, many people are in need of food and shelter. Luckily, we have organizations like the Food Bank of Iowa that are already poised to help meet that need and aid in the disaster relief effort. Emily...
Timely rain will still be needed this summer
If you’ve taken a look at the U.S. Drought Monitor over the past several months, then you’d see that there has been a dramatic shift in conditions since this time last year. Much of the state is no longer in severe drought. Iowa State University professor of agronomy...
As the weather warms up, so do the grills
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial start of the summer. At the same time, it’s also thought to be the true kick-off to grilling season. Neal Hull, director of domestic market development with the National Pork Board, says that cooking pork...
AFBF and NFU on Farm Bill passage out of House Ag Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall responded to markup and passage of the Farm Bill out of the House Agriculture Committee Thursday. Duvall says, “We applaud the bipartisan vote after 13 hours of rigorous debate, but know that tight margins in both...
Milk will be front and center for Indy 500
Memorial Day weekend is steeped in many traditions. Many are reflective as we honor the fallen heroes of our armed services. Some are more entertaining, and one of those is the annual running of one of America’s premiere auto racing events, the Indianapolis 500. Just...
