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Thinking about fall diesel fuel needs
Crude oil prices are returning to levels that were familiar before the United States war with Iran, but diesel and gasoline prices are still higher. It is expected that diesel and gasoline prices will recede to normal levels, but it may take a few months, probably at least until the end of August. That’s the opinion of an agricultural and energy analyst in Champaign, Illinois. That is Dave Chatterton with Strategic Farm Marketing. He says that farmer-customers will need to be cautious when...
Tips to extend the life of farm tires
Every minute in the field counts, and durable tires are the key to keeping up. Firestone Ag Tire expert Bill Durivage says tire technology and design boost durability, allowing you to cover more ground with fewer replacements and greater reliability. Proper tire tread...
Farm Bill progress: optimism meets legislative realities
With a new Congress in place and fresh leadership in the Senate, the timetable for the next Farm Bill is taking shape amid shifting political priorities. Lawmakers face the challenge of crafting bipartisan legislation that addresses agriculture, nutrition, and rural...
U.S. agriculture directly in the bullseye
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said she doesn’t believe the U.S. will impose tariffs on Saturday, February 1, as President Donald Trump had pledged. Reuters says her administration has already put a response plan in place if it becomes needed. The report says...
Ethanol industry confident in new EPA head Lee Zeldin
The ethanol industry is confident that newly confirmed EPA chief Lee Zeldin will be supportive of its top issues. Zeldin, a former New York Representative, has been critical of ethanol in the past, but the industry is confident that will change now that the...
Weak La Nina will continue into February
In December, the weather officially entered into a weak La Nina phase once again. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said there are plenty of recent data points to compare this winter to, as we saw a “triple dip” La Nina from 2020-2022. Glisan said a weak La...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-30-25)
The export sales took a back seat this week after the great numbers we saw in the last report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest U.S. export sales report. McBride said there were only flash sales for corn this week. McBride said the...
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Choose Iowa passport launches as free guide to agritourism adventures
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today launched the Choose Iowa Passport, a free, interactive digital platform designed to help Iowans and visitors find farms and farm stands, orchards, you-pick opportunities, farm-to-table dining and restaurants, farmers...
NCBA: Supportive of talks, focused on details
The agriculture sector is keeping a close eye on the evolving trade and tariff signals coming from the Trump Administration. Historically, agriculture is often the first target when other nations retaliate with tariffs, putting added pressure on farmers and rural...
Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity continues to increase
Many people underestimate the prevalence of food insecurity. Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity has increased in every county in Iowa and impacts 385,130 Iowans- over 120,000 of which are children. That’s 12% of Iowans and 16.6%...
Planting window has been wide open in Southwest Iowa
Aside from a few storms earlier this spring, the weather has been mostly wide open for planting season. With most of the crops planted at this point, farmers are now waiting for some timely rains. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said the planting window...
Outlook for summer and fall weather
The past week of weather in Iowa has felt more like July than May. The warm and dry conditions have allowed farmers to move quickly with planting, but the heat has some questioning if it is still spring. With abnormal warmth in mid-May, what do the summer and fall...
