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September rains may have damaged soybean crop
Parts of Iowa and other midwestern states were impacted by heavy rainfall in the month of September and the heavy moisture has discolored some of the soybean crop. Those beans discolored by fungus are designated as Soybeans of Other Color, or SBOC, and can have a big impact on a farmer’s bottom line. That is Jeff Peterson, an assistant professor of ag economics at the University of Nebraska. He says that discolored beans should be ok if they are taken to a crush facility. Peterson says that...
Why milk components matter more than ever
New dairy research is putting a dollar value on a trait many producers have been focusing on for years: milk components. CoBank Dairy Economist Corey Geiger says the difference between top and bottom performing herds can add up to hundreds of dollars per cow annually...
Lawmakers push for reallocation of lost renewable fuel volumes
A bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small-refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois led the effort,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-12-26)
The most recent U.S. export sales report was a continuation of the recent trends for the corn markets, but soybeans were uncharacteristically low as well. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were disappointing once again. McBride said the...
Fall migration raises concerns over HPAI
As fall migration continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging livestock and poultry producers to stay vigilant against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). New detections continue to surface in both poultry and dairy operations. Officials say...
The impact of U.S. farmers and ranchers on USDA trade missions
United States agricultural groups are frequently engaged in trade missions and visits to international markets in the hopes of strengthening and expanding relationships and trade to overseas markets. A common theme from those visits to international markets is that...
Secretary Naig invites community meat lockers to apply for Choose Iowa butchery equipment grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today invited small-scale meat processors and custom lockers to apply for a Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 of state funding to purchase cold storage, meat...
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Harvest pace per USDA Mid-October progress report
Despite the slower than usual pace of harvest for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt, including Iowa, other regions of the country have made substantial progress. How are major row crops coming along with their harvest progress as October approaches its midway point?...
EPA Proposes restoring biofuel volumes exempted from refinery requirements
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday a proposal to restore renewable fuel blending requirements affected by additional small refinery exemptions, a move intended to protect demand for American corn and soybeans. The EPA said exemptions granted for 2025...
John Deere Foundation announces $18.5 million investment in food bank system
Today, the John Deere Foundation announced an $18.5 million multi-year Farm-to-Plate strategy to address food insecurity in the Midwest. The investment will support Feeding America partner food banks, recover farm-grown food, and connect over one hundred Iowa farmers...
AFBF encouraged by progress on Renewable Fuel Standard
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Peosta, Iowa, today to announce a draft rule to reallocate renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions. The rule would provide 100 percent reallocation of the renewable fuel volume...
Iowa native takes helm of United Soybean Board
The United Soybean Board has a new leader, and she brings strong Iowa roots to the position. Courtney Knupp, who grew up on a soybean farm in Washington County, Iowa, has taken over as CEO of the national organization. She steps into the role at a time when soybean...
