Top Stories
2026 forecast shows another strong El Niño
Many parts of rural America have seen some wild back-and-forth temperature swings combined with on-again, off-again winter weather. John Baranick, an agricultural meteorologist from DTN, said we’re seeing a lot of normal temperature swings during the transition from winter to spring. Forecasters are predicting a switch from a La Niña to an El Niño this year. While a term making rounds on social media predicts a “Godzilla El Niño,” Baranick said it will likely be a strong El Niño, no matter how...
USDA partnership to reduce anticompetitive barriers
USDA launched a partnership with bipartisan attorneys general in 31 states and the District of Columbia to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. Through the agreement, this partnership will assist the state attorneys general in...
Rain and cooler weather finally made its way to Iowa
After one of the driest Mays on record and a dry end to June, July has finally brought some relieving rains to the state of Iowa. There was also some storm damage that came along with it, but the moisture was very much appreciated. However, Iowa State Climatologist...
Dry weather & the dollar top market concerns in 23
If nothing else, we can all agree that the markets are fickle. They move wherever the winds of change blow them. Sometimes it doesn?t even need a wind, a breeze will be just as volatile. Whether it is input costs, weather, geopolitical conflicts, or even government...
Hinson continues to advocate for all-of-the-above energy strategy
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rule setting biofuel blending levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This step backwards ignores the clear benefits of Iowa biofuels and upheaves the significant progress made by the biofuels...
Drought pressure tops growing season?s challenges, survey shows
In a recent survey conducted by Brevant seeds, 73% of the 284 U.S. ag retail respondents ranked drought toughness as the number one crop challenge this season. With drought plaguing many areas, retailers are on high alert to help their farmer customers overcome...
Soy Checkoff farmer-leaders looking to the future
Although we are in the middle of the summer, farmer-leaders with the United Soybean Board are already looking toward the future, focusing on research, education, and promotion investments for the next fiscal year. Steve Reinhard, USB Vice Chair, said these investments...
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More Ag News
Crop insurance reference prices projected to be lower than last year
February is when reference prices are set for crop insurance, so it’s a very important time of year. Deadlines are approaching in just over a month, so it’s important to pay attention now and not let it sneak up on you. Pat Swanson, District 9 director of the Iowa...
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...
