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Above normal temperatures and near to below normal rainfall in the forecast
The latest 8-14 day forecast provides details on the upcoming weather for the beginning of pollination season. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that the Midwest will experience some hot temperatures at the end of June and beginning of July. Rippey says the precipitation in the Midwest will be in line with the averages to slightly below the averages for this time of year. That was USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.
December farm income forecast shows lower 2024 numbers
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers. Revised estimates in the 2024 Farm Income Forecast still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. Danny Munch, an economist at the American Farm Bureau...
Income prospects differ for livestock vs. crop producers
The farm income bottom line is vastly different this year for livestock producers compared to row crop farmers. Spiro Stefanou, Administrator of USDA's Economic Research Service, says that USDA’s farm income forecast for this year shows crop receipts down almost...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline,...
Saving money on inputs doesn’t mean slash and burn
There are many conversations about how farms will save money in 2025. Producers are looking for ways to trim the budget, but cutting corners is a slippery slope. If you slash your inputs too much, your crops could be in serious danger. This year we heard many stories...
Create a financial plan to help navigate tough economic conditions
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers, but those revised estimates still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. However, it’s still possible to lock in some profits for your grain despite some tough...
Will the next administration bring relief to ag trade?
With agricultural import numbers outweighing ag exports over the past couple of years, industry groups are questioning whether or not the new administration will bring relief for ag trade. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said the trade imbalance...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-27-25)
With everything going on in the ag economy right now, the export sales have taken a back seat. The greater focus is more on the Quarterly Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings reports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a decent week for export...
Morton Buildings helping farmers design new buildings
A lot of planning and decisions go into the construction of a new farm shop or storage building. Lisa Bocklage, marketing director at Morton Buildings, said the company is making it easier for farmers to start the planning process with its 3D Studio. Bocklage said one...
Farmers for Free Trade voice concerns about another trade war
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced that USDA will be disbursing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers via the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. The payments will provide a lift for producers dealing with high...
IDALS receives notice of bankruptcy for Benson Hill Holdings, Inc.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been notified that Benson Hill Holdings, Inc., of St. Louis, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy effective March 20, 2025. Benson Hill Holdings, Inc. holds a grain dealer license in Iowa. Anyone with unpaid...
GHX Durastak™ ready to battle Corn Root Worm
Corn rootworm, often called the "billion-dollar pest," is one of the most destructive threats to Iowa's cornfields. These insects, particularly the larvae, feed on corn roots, causing significant yield losses and increasing susceptibility to drought and lodging. With...
