Top Stories
Why discipline matters more than market moves
Risk management is always part of agriculture, but in today’s volatile markets, the fundamentals matter as much as ever, regardless of operation size. Understanding costs, knowing who you are selling to, and being honest about what a balance sheet can withstand are decisions every producer faces, whether the operation is large or small. Those principles were part of a recent conversation with Fallon Savage, senior vice president of corporate credit with Farm Credit Services of America. Savage...
Rep. Feenstra talks Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act
It?s tough to market any product, but, in recent years, it has become even more difficult for beef producers since they have to compete with the Big 4 meat packers. You just can?t expect the average producer to be able to keep up with huge, multi-million-dollar...
Agronomy Week celebrates connection between farming and baseball
Now in its sixth year, Agronomy Week recognizes the important role played by agronomists, seed dealers and other crop professionals in helping farmers maximize performance in the field. All farmers, regardless of the seed brand they plant, are invited to participate...
Tightening stock numbers have markets concerned
It feels like we have the words ?tight stocks? on a recorded loop every week when we talk to analysts. The truth of the matter is there are concerns about having enough supply to feed the world. These concerns are being fueled by weather and geopolitical factors.The...
Ukraine exports are complicated by many factors
Not only is the invasion of Ukraine by Russia causing severe problems for the people there and the cities they live in, but there are also problems with the exports of Ukrainian goods. We have heard stories about the damage to port facilities, railroads, and the...
Successful deworming tips for cattle
Livestock producers have animal health and well-being at the top of their list for running a successful operation. Without it, you have nothing to market. Making sure that you are identifying the right pathogens or risks is essential. What is also essential is being...
U.S. Drought Monitor remained static for this week for Iowa
This week?s U.S. Drought Monitor didn?t have any changes for Iowa, but that alone is still good news. Given how crazy and volatile the global situation is when it comes to crops, it was nice to see some consistency. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
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More Ag News
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...
