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USDA sets April loan rates as farmers weigh borrowing costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced updated loan interest rates for April, offering a key benchmark for producers making financing decisions ahead of the planting season. Operating loans are set at 4.75%, while farm ownership loans will carry a 5.75% interest rate. The rates reflect broader trends in credit markets as borrowing costs remain elevated compared with recent years. Farmers often rely on USDA-backed loans to cover expenses such as seed, equipment and land purchases....
Gov. Reynolds announces $5M investment to help boost food bank capacity
DES MOINES ? Today, Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced a $5 million investment in food banks and food pantry networks to help more Iowans in need get access to fresh, nutritious food.?Access to fresh foods is a challenge for those...
Exports providing optimism for red meat industry
While the U.S. red meat industry is facing challenges in 2023, exports provided some optimism at the U.S. Meat Export Federation Spring Conference in Minneapolis. Mexico tops the list of export markets where beef and pork purchases have continued to grow this year....
Bureau of Land Management?s proposal raises concerns
The Bureau of Land Management?s recent conservation proposal would be a major shift in public land management. Shelby Hagenauer, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Government Affairs Director, said the proposal could change the way farmers and ranchers operate in...
Debt deal could mean little new farm bill money
The United States has never defaulted on its debt but time appears to be running out for both sides of the aisle to come together on a debt limit deal. United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says that by June 5th the United States will reach its debt limit...
Former House Ag Chair Peterson says Farm Bill can be extended
As we get ready to move into the summer growing season, we know that there is a deadline looming large, and that is the Farm Bill. Every five years, congress sets the funding and policy for the agriculture and food sectors. It?s safety net guidelines, SNAP benefits,...
Corn and soybean planting nearing completion in Iowa
Iowa Crop Progress and Condition ReportMay 22 - 28, 2023DES MOINES, Iowa (May 30, 2023) ? Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (12-26-23)
Another spotty forecast will end off the year down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the upcoming weather forecast in Brazil is pretty hit-or-miss. Meanwhile, the forecast in Argentina looks a bit drier. McBride said that planting progress...
Keeping livestock farms safe from activists in 2024
Animal rights activists have been gearing up for 2024, and the livestock industry needs to be prepared. Abby Kornegay, manager of issues and engagement for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, talks about what tactics to watch out for in the new year. “Direct Action...
A wealth of seed technologies working together for growers
The Crop Science division of Bayer announced a new strategy midway through 2023 bringing together 10 regional seed brands under the umbrella of the new enhanced Channel® seed brand. Chris Smith is an area business manager for the new Channel® seed brand and he says...
November egg production up four percent
U.S. egg production totaled 9.3 billion during November, up four percent from November 2022. Production included just over eight billion table eggs and 1.28 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.19 billion were broiler type and 91.8 million were egg type. The average...
ASA watching issues on the horizon for 2024 (Part 1)
Santa may have parked the sleigh for another year, but there are many wish lists still being worked on in the agriculture industry. As we get ready for the new year of 2024, there are many things we need to prepare for and topics that need to be discussed. Producers...
