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Report has few clues for the future of the cattle cycle
Are beef cattle producers beginning to hold back heifers for breeding? Or is the United States beef cattle herd still in contraction mode? Unfortunately, there are few available clues in last week’s September USDA Cattle on Feed report as to the direction the beef industry is headed. USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam, says that next month’s report will probably offer more insight as to whether producers are beginning to retain heifers to kickstart the herd rebuild. Friday’s Cattle on Feed...
Soy growers wary of EPA herbicide strategy
American soybean growers are worried about the feasibility of implementation and the impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s final Endangered Species Act Herbicide Strategy. Josh Gackle, president of the American Soybean Association, says while there are...
Soy checkoff & State organizations make investment in PNW Soy Meal Port
Earlier this week we talked about the work being done by the beef checkoff to invest dollars into continuing education. The soybean checkoff is also investing in the marketability of the soybeans that we grow. Recently a group led by the United Soybean Board (USB),...
Pro Farmer Crop Tour saw lower day one results than last year
The results from the first day of Pro-Farmer’s annual Midwest Crop Tour are lower than last year. About a thousand scouts- including our own Andy Petersen- headed out into Midwestern corn and soybean fields on Monday to objectively determine the final projections....
Many fields in southwest Iowa are looking outstanding
With some pretty cooperative weather during pollination, the fields in southwest Iowa are mostly looking great as we approach the end of the crop year. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said that, while some areas could use some rain, he’s very pleased with...
Farm Progress Show ready for the latest and greatest in agriculture
The Farm Progress Show will take place Tuesday August 27th-Thursday August 29th at the Farm Progress Show site in Boone Iowa. FPS media day was held on Wednesday to showcase the newest attractions at the show along with the final preparations being made for the...
Food Bank of Iowa receives 6,000 pounds of food from ISF vendors
Sixteen Iowa State Fair vendors have donated 6,000 pounds of surplus food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year’s fair. (That’s half of last year’s 12,000 pounds, but not surprising given the fair attracted an all-time record number of visitors this year:...
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CLAAS FARMPOINT brings repair services directly to farmers
Suffering a breakdown during the crop season can be devastating, especially during planting or harvest. Not only do you have to determine what the problem is and attempt to fix it, but you also have to spend the time driving to the dealership to get the parts you...
USDA forecasts an increasing trade deficit in 2025
The USDA forecasted the agricultural trade deficit to increase sharply to a record $42.5 billion in the coming fiscal year. That compares to $30.5 billion this fiscal year, which ends September 30. The widening trade gap, a source of frustration for many farmers and...
Rebuilding of the beef cattle herd remains on hold
In the two or three years leading up to 2024, drought conditions led to a beef cattle herd contraction that is still in effect. Overall beef cattle numbers in the country remain historically low, and the rebuilding of the herd could be pushed into 2025 or beyond...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-28-24)
While it’s not a huge market factor quite yet, there’s a notable level of dryness in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, has started...
“Safety” is a way of life at Sukup
In the spring and fall we talk a lot about safety on the farm. During our busiest times of the year, it is easy to get in a hurry. Mother Nature doesn’t always give us a large window of opportunity, and you have to make hay when the sun shines. Or in our case at...