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Strong soybean yields meet steep quality discounts
Soybean producers across the country, including here in Iowa, are dealing with quality discounts that are cutting into the value of their crops despite strong yields in many areas. While discolored soybeans have received much of the attention, concerns over test weight and foreign material are also affecting what farmers receive for their bushels. The severity of those discounts varies by region, but they are adding another challenge for producers already dealing with pressure in the soybean...
Trade policy affecting farmer voting decisions nationwide
Midterm elections are less than a week away, and the farm community has been a hot topic among many of the candidates running for office. There are many ag issues to consider, but one of the most impactful issues from the federal government has been the Trump...
Gut health key for the youngest in the herd
Dairy calves are an investment in the long-term success of an operation. That’s why the dairy industry is so invested in researching genetics and nutrition. Olivia Genther-Schroeder, a dairy feed research scientist with Purina Animal Nutrition, says gut health is an...
Stay prepared for emergencies when pumping manure
Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs with the National Pork Board, emphasized that every farm should have an emergency action plan in place before an emergency occurs, with all employees properly trained. Pit foam is a thick layer of methane gas that can...
HPAI detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac...
Rollins visit brings $10 million for Iowa conservation
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins brought a significant investment to Iowa during her visit to Cedar Rapids earlier this week, announcing $10 million in federal funding to expand the state's Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike...
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
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Iowa FFA member receives national award
At this year’s National FFA Convention, an Iowa FFA member was recognized for going above and beyond in their agriscience research. Tessa Tauke, from the Beckman Catholic FFA Chapter in Dyersville, Iowa, was named as this year’s National FFA American Star Award Winner...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-29-26)
This week has been mostly quiet in the ag marketplace, and that was reinforced by this week’s export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were uneventful, which is not what they need right now. McBride said the soybean sales were strong...
Investments in rural America
USDA Rural Development investments during the past fiscal year demonstrate the diverse areas of support for rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith gives the data for the past fiscal year. Smith says that...
Fertilizer prices continue rising as farmers prepare for 2027 growing season
Fertilizer prices continued climbing in October, adding pressure to American farmers already struggling with tight profit margins and elevated production expenses. According to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey, seven of eight major fertilizers increased in price...
Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
