Top Stories
To replant or not to replant, that is the question
This week’s unpredictable, severe weather shows just how quickly conditions can go from favorable to harmful for the crops in Iowa. No farmer wants to plan on making replant decisions, but it’s still important to keep in mind for when the crop season inevitably throws a curveball. Bill Backhaus of BASF said he always encourages farmers to be prepared for those scenarios. It may seem early to think about replanting, but Backhaus said he’s actually heard about a decent number of soybeans being...
More affordable input costs providing options for growers
Even though harvest is just around the corner in the state of Iowa, it’s never too early to start thinking about the spring. Mike Howell, senior agronomist, with Nutrien says that once the grain is in the bins it is time to start the fact-finding process and...
Farm futures releases 2024 planting estimates
Farmers are gearing up for the 2023 harvest season with an eye already on next year’s crop. A Farm Futures August survey finds growers are expecting to plant 93.1 million acres of corn in 2024, down one percent from this year’s total acreage. Shrinking revenue...
Ag group asks Congress to evaluate trade policy in Farm Bill
Today we are one month from the deadline of the Farm Bill. We need to have the 2023 Farm Bill in place or extend the current bill until a new Farm Bill is voted on. All recent signs point to the fact that the new legislation is on the front burner, but there is only a...
Precision ag upgrades provide latest technology to growers
Precision ag upgrades from John Deere allow a farmer to upgrade their existing farm equipment without needing to buy a completely new ag implement or piece of equipment. That’s Yancy Wright with John Deere who says that retrofit technology can be outfitted seamlessly...
Margin Protection offers safety net for farmers
Farming is an inherently risky business, and, unfortunately, it sometimes feels like there’s nothing you can control. However, that makes it even more important to take the reins for things you actually can control. Doug Burns, regional vice president of insurance...
Excessive heat lowers crop condition ratings
A six percent drop in the primary crop condition rating across the state according to the USDA’s latest numbers. Weekly crop condition ratings are out from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Upper Midwest Regional Office. Agricultural Statistician Brian...
Video
More Ag News
Neutral March WASDE provides support to grains
A mostly neutral WASDE report left the markets feeling good to end off this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this was the first time in a while where there were virtually no changes. McBride also noted that the USDA decided to play it safe when it...
Protect your cattle from pasture parasites
Parasites will be close by when cattle are out on pasture. Good pasture management and a strategic deworming protocol can limit the chances of parasites affecting the efficiency and performance of your beef herd. Dr. D.L. Step, a professional services veterinarian...
Japanese-American fusion is top pork dish at student chef contest
The classic American meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) on Monday. For the annual contest, culinary students were...
Iowa Farmer will be a Mosaic Frontier Fields Farmer in 2024
Companies are always trying to put their products through rigorous testing before they release them to the public. However, many times the results we see are based on controlled sites and conditions. What happens when it goes out to the average acres across the...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-7-24)
This week’s U.S. Export Sales Report was actually a good one- including a slight rebound in the soybean numbers- ahead of tomorrow's WASDE. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the export sales numbers. Flash sales have been quiet lately, and that...
