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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...
CLAAS FARMPOINT expands footprint in Iowa
CLASS FARMPOINT is increasing its commitment to Iowa agriculture with a new service center in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the company’s second permanent location in the state. The expansion brings equipment, support and services even closer to area farmers, ensuring farmers’...
Secretary Naig extends sign-up for cover crop cost-share through September 18
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding...
Getting a comprehensive look at soil nutrients with tissue and soil tests
Harvest is approaching fast- in fact, some parts of the state have rolled out combines already. Once this year’s crop is out of the field, it’ll be an ideal time to do some soil testing. Eileen Bernard, director of farm and retail growth at Farmers Edge, said farmers...
July was strong for pork exports, weak for beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S....
Ethanol industry looks to ramp up push for year-round E15
The California general assembly’s approval of E15 sales in the state has given the ethanol industry the latest opportunity to seek new avenues for Congress to legislate year-round E15 sales nationally. Governor Gavin Newsom still needs to sign off on the state’s bill,...
Wider tassel wrap issues put focus on genetics
Many Midwest farmers are finding more tassel wrap in their fields this season than in years past. The condition occurs when tassels remain trapped within the plant’s upper leaves, limiting pollen shed and interfering with pollination. That lack of pollination can lead...
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More Ag News
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (10-16-25)
As the government shutdown persists, we still don’t have any official export numbers to look at. We can, however, look again at the weekly estimates. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are still projected to be well above the average. On the...
Falling oil prices should indicate cheaper fuel
For the past several weeks and even several months, oil prices have held fairly steady, remaining in the mid-$60 per barrel range. But, thanks to OPEC’s increased production, that trend is no more. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said banks...
Secretary Naig announces eight additional abandoned mine land reclamation projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is beginning construction on eight additional abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation projects in southeast Iowa. The eight projects, which represent...
From the mine below to the fields beyond
In our previous story on Nutrien’s Allan Facility, we heard how Environmental Engineer Curtis Ferguson and his team work to protect the land, air, and water surrounding one of Saskatchewan’s largest potash operations. Today, we delve beyond the surface to explore how...
