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Farm incomes drop despite abundant harvests
Farm incomes generally decreased across the Federal Reserve Bank’s Ninth District. That’s according to lenders responding to the fourth quarter Ag Credit Survey by the Minneapolis Fed. Lenders also reported that purchases of capital inputs fell, though farm household spending continues to edge up. Demand for loans increased, while the rate of loan repayment dropped, and loan renewal and extension activity increased. Interest rates for agricultural loans fell notably. Land values in the...
The most valuable commodity? Getting home safe
Next week is Farm Safety Week, and it’s a good reminder for all of us in agriculture to think carefully about how we approach safety during harvest. But the truth is, one week of reminders won’t cut it. Safety has to stick with us through the whole season, because the...
Warm temperatures will bring harvest here before we know it
The end of this crop year has been defined by disease pressure, specifically from diseases like Southern Rust and Sudden Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, farmers who did not prepare with fungicides are already seeing significant yield losses. Southwest Iowa Beck’s...
Iowa rural roadway safety considerations during harvest season
Rural roadway safety is one of the biggest safety challenges during harvest season. Dan Neenan of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety says that rural drivers need to demonstrate patience as farmers share the roadways. Neenan says that motorists and...
Fertilizer decisions for 2026 crop will be a balancing act
Fertilizer prices aren’t at historic highs, but relative to last year’s prices and the current prices for crop commodities, they are elevated. According to data from USDA and analysis by University of Illinois Farmdoc, fertilizer prices in the state are 6% to 20%...
USMEF Heartland team reviews market investments in Korea
A team of producers representing the pork, beef, corn and soybean industries visited Korea last week to see first-hand the investments the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is making in the market. Korea is the leading export market for U.S. beef, with purchases...
Rollins: Mexico cooperation key to screwworm defense
The New World screwworm has not entered U.S. herds, but the threat has officials on guard. The parasite can devastate livestock, particularly cattle, and poses risks to any mammal. A recent case in a U.S. traveler returning from El Salvador underscored that danger....
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Feenstra talks farm economy investments from Trump tax cuts
There’s been discussion recently about potential farm economy investments that could result from some tax cuts made by President Trump. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra said he’s advocating for benefits like new export markets, among other changes. Feenstra said new...
China proposes a tariff-drop swap with Canada
The Chinese Ambassador recently told a Canadian national television audience that his country is willing to remove its tariffs on Canada’s pork products, seafood, and, by far the largest of the categories, canola oil, seed, and meal if Canada drops its 100 percent...
Markets stay cautious in fog of uncertainty
After some fireworks late last week, things have quieted down in the grain trade. The latest spark came as China and the United States each slapped new fees on maritime shipping from the other country. It’s another step in the ongoing trade war, but for now, markets...
Farm crisis not forgotten during shutdown
The farm crisis remains top of mind during the government shutdown and some lawmakers are sounding the alarm. That’s Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith who says this is not a regional or political issue but one that affects all Americans. She adds that the situation...
China holding off on Brazil soybean purchases
High premiums on Brazilian cargoes are discouraging soybean buyers in China, which means the country has yet to secure much of its needed soybean supply for December and January. Reuters says the development could prompt the Chinese government to tap state reserves to...
