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Tight margins make financial analysis critical
As many farmers continue to navigate a difficult economic environment, understanding the financial health of their operations has become increasingly important. While many producers complete financial statements to satisfy their lenders, one agricultural attorney says those records should be used as management tools that help guide business decisions throughout the year. Austin Peiffer, an associate attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies, says regularly reviewing financial records...
USDA cancels Household Food Security Report as food insecurity increases
Even as food insecurity continues to rise, the USDA has moved to terminate all future Household Food Security Reports. The announcement, which was ironically made during Hunger Action Month, is another blow to the food banks and pantries across the country that are...
Northwest Iowa crops nearing the finish line and the start of harvest
Harvest for corn and soybeans is not in full swing yet in northwest Iowa but combines will be out in force very soon. Northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist Eric Bartels says that harvest for silage corn is underway. Bartels mentions the target moisture level for...
Updated FMMOs show significant farmer losses in first few months
The years-long process of updating Federal Milk Marketing Orders finally concluded earlier this year, when final changes went into effect. The Federal Milk Marketing Orders govern how processors purchase milk from dairy farmers in defined marketing areas across the...
Secretary Naig urges Iowans to prioritize safety, mental health this harvest season
With the busy harvest season commencing across the state, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is urging Iowans to keep safety top of mind in the field, around the farm and on the road. Farming can be physically exhausting and mentally demanding, and agriculture...
Nutrien’s ‘Click and Mortar’ approach powers new hub
Nutrien Ag Solutions has introduced a new digital platform designed to make farm management easier and more connected. The Nutrien Hub, recently released, serves as a one-stop shop where growers can securely access account information, review invoices, make payments,...
Tassel wrap issues originate from seed genetics
One of the biggest crop issues this year was tassel wrap, which severely limited the ability of affected corn plants from pollinating. This issue is also unique in that it isn’t caused by a pest or disease- tassel wrap is actually a genetic issue. As a result, some...
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Creating success in the soy industry by driving demand
It’s been a challenging year financially for many farmers, especially on the soybean side of things. Tariffs, trade deals, and swinging market prices have all added a significant amount of stress. The United Soybean Board (USB) says driving demand will be the key to...
Frozen versus fresh turkey from a food safety perspective
Side dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner table receive a lot of plaudits, from mashed potatoes and gravy to green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. However, the Thanksgiving turkey remains the star of the show. And while many Thanksgiving dinner cooks are seasoned...
U.S. soybeans set for first shipment to China since May
Two cargo ships were headed for port terminals near New Orleans, Louisiana, this week to load the first shipments of U.S. soybeans to China since May. That’s according to a shipping schedule seen by Reuters. A third ship was heading to a Texas Gulf Coast terminal to...
Farmers are dealing with severe financial stress
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is bringing attention to the financial plight of the country’s farmers and ranchers. A recent AFBF Market Intel Report shows that financial stress is severe and persistent across farm country. John Newton, AFBF vice president...
Naig says Vietnam is ready to buy more Iowa products
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the state’s recent trade mission to Southeast Asia revealed significant opportunities for Iowa agriculture in Vietnam. The delegation included Iowa commodity groups representing corn, soybeans, pork, and beef, along with...
