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As Iowa farmers hold grain, crop protection continues
With grain prices under pressure and supplies heavy, many Iowa farmers are making the decision to hold grain in storage longer while waiting for better marketing opportunities. According to the USDA, ample production combined with softer demand has kept prices below levels many producers would like to see, putting more focus on protecting grain quality once it goes into the bin. In that environment, post-harvest management becomes an economic decision as much as an operational one. Miya Butler...
Pork producers have risk management tools available online
Managing risk, both on the cost of production and to maximize revenue opportunities, are crucial for business. Kevin Sheehan, National Pork Board Director of Processor Engagement, says the CME Cutout Contract is an additional price discovery and contract option for...
USMEF partners with butcher shops in Colombia to promote red meat
Colombia is a robust market for U.S. pork and beef, much of which is sold through butcher shops owned by or affiliated with meat importers. With support from the USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S....
USDA launches new partnership program with rural communities
Today it was announced by U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice that the USDA will lead a new program from the Biden Administration aimed at helping rural communities access resources and funding, create employment...
Making the most of your input dollars this spring
In this year of extremes, efficiency will be king, predicts Greg Peters, an LG Seeds agronomist in western Iowa. He shares tips for making the most of every input dollar spent this season.?This year with the high crop prices and more importantly, the high input...
NCBA says NEPA compromises environmental and economic goals
The National Cattlemen?s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council expressed concern over the Biden administration?s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rule on Tuesday. The NCBA and PLC said the rule undermines progress made over the last several years when...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-19-22)
The current forecast has South America looking dry for a little while.Dry conditions aren?t a huge concern yet, but that can always change. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said that prolonged dry conditions could cause some crop stress in Brazil?s safrinha...
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Colder weather could help maintain snowpack until spring
Even with measurable precipitation across much of the state, there was no change to last week?s U.S. Drought Monitor in Iowa. The ground is still completely frozen, so we won?t be seeing any change for a while. However, Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said...
Foundational elements of achieving higher corn yields
This is the time of the year when many farmers are making plans for planting and the upcoming growing season.Robby Meeker, LG Seeds agronomist, says that in order to achieve higher corn yields a farmer must have three key areas in order. Genetic selection, balanced...
NCGA action teams host first 2023 meetings
National Corn Growers Association action teams recently met for their first meeting of the year. Troy Schneider, NCGA market development team chairman, said that with a new year underway, they will continue work to promote corn around the world, dispel myths on...
Adding new income through renewable farming practices
Many farmers have been voluntarily using sustainable farming practices for many years on their operations by using regenerative agriculture practices that boost soil health and water quality.Farmers can now earn a financial benefit from farming sustainably and making...
Secretary Naig encourages Iowans to apply for 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting applications for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through March 10. The program, which is designed to support projects that enhance...
