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Federal Reserve is concerned about the Iran war’s impact on commodity markets
The war with Iran is causing upheaval in the commodity markets. The early volatility has seen an increase in the price of corn and soybeans, but it has also included sharp setbacks. Even more concerning is the risk presented to U.S. farmers and consumers as the conflict in the Middle East drives energy and fertilizer prices higher. During his press conference on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the impact is concerning. While oil price spikes immediately drove up headline...
EPA changes some dicamba cutoff dates for this spring
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new restrictions on using over-the-top dicamba herbicides in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and South Dakota. The label changes say no spraying on dicamba-tolerant soybeans in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana after June 12 or the V4...
Melting snow provides much-needed moisture, but we still need more
Not much has changed recently in the U.S. Drought Monitor. It?s great that it?s not getting worse, but we need to start to make progress on those moisture deficits. Thankfully, Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said that the warmer temperatures we?ve seen...
National Pork Board working to expand export opportunities
The National Pork Board is always looking for ways to expand export opportunities for U.S. Pork.One of the ways in which the NPB learns about international trade markets is by taking trips to those countries to try and find ways to differentiate U.S. Pork from...
U.S. and UK discuss trade as Mexico issues new decree
The United States and the United Kingdom continue to explore the path towards a trade agreement, though there are still several obstacles that need to be addressed. Dave Salmonsen, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Government Affairs Director, the countries have...
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig talks Farm Bill
With the Farm Bill up for renewal, Congress is hearing from stakeholders all around the country. It is the largest piece of farm and food legislation, and all corners are weighing in. It isn?t just farmers and farm organizations, but also state governments that are...
Partnership to protect the U.S. from African Swine Fever
A new partnership was put in place at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Winter Policy Conference. NASDA, the USDA, the National Pork Board, and the National Pork Producers Council are working together to enhance coordination and preparedness...
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More Ag News
Corn harvest ahead of the average, soybeans more modest
Way ahead on harvest progress, at least for corn here in the state of Iowa. Soybeans, well that's a different story so check out these numbers per the weekly report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Upper Midwest Regional Office, where the...
Grassley says farm bill prognosis bleak
The current farm bill, which was signed in December 2018, expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. On Tuesday, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) signaled that an extension of the current farm bill is probably more likely than agreement on a...
Farm real estate market holding steady
As combines roll into fields this fall, there is a renewed sense of optimism when looking at the real estate market. The current state of the ag land market is resilient, and the demand for high-quality farmland remains strong in the face of higher interest rates and...
Today is 4-H Giving Day
Yesterday, we talked about the beginning of National 4-H Week, the importance of the program for the kids, and that it goes beyond the impression that it is a program only for rural communities. It offers activities and life lessons that can help our kids develop into...
Food Bank of Iowa hosts ribbon cutting for new expansion
While its usage has already proved to be immensely useful, the Food Bank of Iowa hosted an official ribbon cutting for its new expansion last week. In a time of unprecedented need for healthy and nutritious food for the hungry, CEO Michelle Book said the expansion has...
