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Very few changes made in March WASDE report
As expected, the USDA made very minor changes to the numbers in the March WASDE report. The U.S. ending stocks were left alone, and the crop production estimates for Brazil and Argentina were slightly adjusted. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a very neutral report overall. Since there are usually low expectations for the March WASDE report, McBride said global news- like the conflict in Iran- will continue to affect the ag marketplace the most until we get to the Quarterly...
Weed control plan critical during early growth of corn and soybeans
While nearing the end of 2022, it is a good time to reflect on the past year and of course start to think about next year and the next growing season. It won?t be long until farmers are beginning to make plans for planting in 2023.The early life cycle of a corn or...
China facing a difficult path ahead as COVID restrictions are lifted
China has recently ended some of its most severe restrictions in a move away from the country?s ?Zero-COVID? policy. The moves should open new opportunities for U.S. red meat as restaurant and food retail eventually rebound. However, Joel Haggard, U.S. Meat Export...
Iowa farmland prices jump again
Iowa State University?s annual Land Value Survey shows farmland values are averaging $11,411 an acre in 2022, a 17 percent rise from last year. ISU says farmers have a lot more cash on hand, and supply chain issues led to a shortage of equipment, so the money...
Get your dairy herd dewormed soon
Animal health is a big issue for all livestock producers. Each animal comes with their own set of issues that they face. Poultry is currently dealing with HPAI, and hogs are looking at PRRS & staving off African Swine Fever. Cattle have their issues as well, including...
2023 Farm Bill will likely be evolutionary, not revolutionary
With the current lame duck session, the 2023 Farm Bill process has been put off until the new year. Will Stafford, CHS Washington representative, said the writing process should pick up again at the beginning of the year.Stafford said they likely won?t make any huge...
Vilsack announces second round of funding for USDA?s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program
Recently, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the second round of project funding under USDA?s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program. Vilsack explained how the second round of funding is different from the first.?We realize that we needed to have smaller...
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August WASDE creates mild reaction in the grain markets
If we’ve learned anything from this year’s WASDE reports, it’s that you always have to be prepared for the unexpected. More often than not, the estimates turn out to be mostly accurate, and that was the case with this month’s report. Looks can be deceiving, though, as...
The importance of increasing traceability in the pork industry
Increasing traceability in the pork industry protects Iowa pork producer profitability. The National Pork Producers Council is developing a resolution to adopt updated Swine Traceability Standards. NPPC President Scott Hays said it’s all about filling...
Showing at the Governor’s Steer Show is an honor for the kids
One of the highlights that we focus on at the beginning of the Iowa State Fair is the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer show, which raises money for the Ronald McDonald Houses in Iowa. This year will be the 41st show. The kids that are chosen to show a steer with their...
One thousand pounds of pig
The Big Boar contest at the Iowa State Fair is annually one of the biggest draws at the swine barn and this year was no exception. Despite a small field of contestants, a big crowd was on hand Monday for the show to see which boar tipped the scales at the heaviest...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-10-23)
Ahead of tomorrow’s WASDE report, this week’s export sales didn’t bring too much excitement. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided a breakdown of the latest U.S. Export Sales Report.While we will obviously learn more about the USDA’s shipment goals...
