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Iowa’s official America250 tree planted on Arbor Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and other state leaders gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today to plant Iowa’s official America250 tree. The event is part of a year-long, statewide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and honoring Iowa’s deep agricultural roots. The Bur Oak tree was planted south of the Administration Building, near the Bill Riley Stage, on the Iowa State Fairgrounds by members of Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA in recognition of Arbor Day. This kicked off a...
Ernst disheartened over Farm Bill situation
We have heard different opinions from different lawmakers over the probability of a Farm Bill still being done this year. As I talked with Senator Joni Ernst yesterday, she was all but certain that there is no way it gets done. The Farm Bill has traditionally been one...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-31-23)
After a good amount of dry heat, rain is now highlighting the upcoming forecast in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current weather patterns. In the longer-term forecasts, McBride said there’s even more rain coming through...
Rain slows harvest progress
Slowing the pace of harvest, with some rains that fell this past week. The update comes from the USDA's Upper Midwest Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, where Doug Decock is the statistician. “Corn harvested for grain reached 77%...
Farm bill extension appears likely
A temporary spending bill to avert a government shutdown this month appears more like the legislative vehicle to extend the already expired farm bill, but one Ag Senator says farmers shouldn’t look for any extra help. Iowa’s Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says an extension is...
State of the corn economy
In the third quarter of 2023, the corn sector wrapped up the 2022-2023 marketing year and entered the 2023-2024 marketing year. Geopolitical tensions and international dynamics continue to be factors in the market. Looking ahead, a National Corn Growers Association...
Another fall. Another battle with HPAI
We sincerely hoped we would finally be done with the battle against High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as the bird flu. However, as the long fall and the slow bird migration are showing, we are going to have to fight another season of this...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-30-24)
Drier conditions have finally made their way to South America, allowing farmers in Brazil and Argentina to catch up on harvest. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. McBride said harvest in Brazil is moving steadily...
New labor law piles even more regulations on farmers
A new rule from the Department of Labor is once again adding to the regulatory burden of farmers and ranchers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that while farmers obviously care about their employees,...
The science behind healthy plant ecosystems
Healthy soil is just as much a part of farming as the health of the plant. Soil health allows for the best ecosystem to assist plant growth throughout the crop season, giving that plant the best opportunity to grow to its maximum potential. Therefore, better soil...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
Chief Ag Negotiator McKalip speaks with NAFB members in Washington
We talk a lot about trade and the effects it has on the agricultural economy. We have heard concerns from Ag groups about the trade situation and their worries that the administration isn’t being as aggressive on trade as possible. During the NAFB Washington Watch...
