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Examining ways to lower fertilizer and fuel costs
The United States war in Iran is contributing to higher input costs for farmers. Fertilizer and fuel costs are rising due to the slowdown of shipping and inability to transport goods safely through Middle East shipping lanes. This is adding to the costs of nitrogen sources and fuel for farmers in the United States. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked if there are any immediate steps that can be taken to help lower prices on fertilizer and fuel soon. Grassley says that...
Effects of a slowing economy on rural America
The U.S. economy will progressively slow through the first half of this year, and recession fears are still high and warranted. That assessment comes from CoBank, which also says inflation is starting to loosen its grip on farm country. Rob Fox, director of CoBank?s...
USB wisely investing Checkoff dollars to drive demand Part 2: Animal Ag
The United Soybean Board manages the soy checkoff and has been working hard to invest those checkoff dollars into more research to help generate more demand, both internationally and domestically. We continue our talk with Mack Marshall from the United Soybean Board...
Pick the right lubricant to keep your machinery in the field
As planting season approaches, now is the time to make sure your machinery is running smoothly. Choosing the right lubricant can minimize the wear and tear on your tractors and other equipment, which means you can stay in the field longer and finish planting quicker....
USDA awards grants to farm groups leading environmental efforts
United States Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack was a featured speaker at the Commodity Classic mainstage on Friday March 10th in Orlando Florida. At a time of volatile commodity prices and high input costs, Vilsack says that farmers, ranchers, and producers need to work to...
Red meat exports see growing impact on corn and soybean values
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) leaders recently gathered in Orlando for this year?s Commodity Classic. As a national organization, it?s very important for the USMEF to join in supporting other commodity groups at the annual gathering. USMEF Chair Dean Meyer, who...
New Holland recommends genuine replacement filters on your equipment
With spring planting just around the corner, it is essential to get your equipment fired up and ready to go for another growing season. When getting those tractors ready, don?t forget to run down that complete checklist. Farmers know that proper inflation,...
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Wet weather slowing harvest all over
If you recall, we have basically been dealing with drought for the past two years here in Iowa. It seems now that our state may have been suffering longer than others. That doesn't mean we aren’t getting our rain at all, it’s just that harvest isn’t the most...
Cattle nutrition needs to be specific
While we know nutrition is a cornerstone of well-being for humans and animals, it has a large significance in the life of a cow, from calf to mature adult. Dr. Kevin Dill, director of dairy technical innovation for Purina, said cattle nutrition is not a...
WOTUS still in play after SCOTUS decision
The never-ending legal fight over EPA’s wetlands jurisdiction and which are considered Waters of the U.S. is beginning its next chapter. That’s according to testimony at a recent Senate hearing. The Environmental Protection Agency’s vagueness in a final Waters of the...
MRCC encouraging all farmers to practice sustainable agriculture
The Midwest Row Crop Collaborative (MRCC), a consortium that encourages farmers across the Corn Belt to use sustainable ag practices, has steadily grown since its inception in 2016 to include nearly 2,700 farmers. In its 2022 Impact Report, the MRCC said that 70% of...
Early 2023 hog and cattle weights lagged behind 2022
Live weights of both hogs and cattle ran below year-earlier weights for the early part of 2023. Hog live weights averaged 284.9 pounds through the week ending on July 8, 2023, compared to 287.3 pounds during the same time in 2022. That’s an average difference of over...
