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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...
Behind the disease insects crept through Iowa corn
Southern rust dominated the conversation during the 2025 growing season in Iowa, forcing growers to react quickly to unexpected disease pressure. But while disease grabbed most of the attention, other problems were quietly developing in the field. Insects and weeds...
Markets reacted negatively to today’s slew of USDA reports
Several USDA reports were released today, including the January WASDE report and the Quarterly Grain Stocks. Unfortunately, most of these reports were negative for the ag marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the markets really did not like seeing...
October red meat exports show promising signs
U.S. pork exports continued to build momentum in October, led by a record performance in leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports remained lower year-over-year, USMEF...
Considerations for cattle care in extreme cold
There are several factors to keep top of mind when caring for cattle during the cold winter months, and especially during periods of extreme arctic air. The first consideration, according to Karl Hoppe of North Dakota State University Extension, is that cattle do not...
How Southern Rust changed Iowa corn plans
Just ahead of the 2025 growing season, many in the crop protection industry expected tar spot to be the primary disease concern in corn. Instead, southern rust emerged as the dominant threat across much of Iowa, forcing growers to quickly evaluate their management...
Uncertainty grows over future of U.S. farm bill legislation
Agriculture policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era, as lawmakers struggle to produce comprehensive legislation. The most recent farm bill provisions expired in 2023 and Congress has extended them annually since,...
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New World Screwworm getting closer to U.S. border
There’s been a lot of anxiety recently about the proximity of New World Screwworm to the U.S. border. Not only has the pest moved further north, but it has also seen a significant increase in detections. Ross Baldwin of AgMarket.Net said New World Screwworm is now...
Dean Frazer named new president of Iowa Pork Producers Association
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has named Dean Frazer as the new President of the organization at its annual meeting which was held January 20th in Des Moines. Frazer takes over as the new leader of the IPPA from outgoing President Aaron Juergens. Frazer operates...
Healthy Milk Act could create $2 billion boon for dairy producers
Last week’s signing by President Trump of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act marked a major victory for kids as well as dairy farmers. Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, says he couldn’t have been more pleased with the support the bill...
Analysis shows need for E15 for Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry
Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry faces continued decline without immediate approval of nationwide, year-round sales of E15 gasoline and access to ultra-low carbon fuel markets, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association....
Featured Conversation: ICGA on the carbon sequestration pipeline discussion
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa continue to draw attention as state leaders, farm organizations, and landowners weigh their potential economic and long-term impacts. Supporters point to market access and competitiveness for Iowa ethanol, while critics...
