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South American crops produced a quality growing season
Brazil’s second corn crop of the year is being harvested now. Dr. Michael Cordonnier of Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc. says some areas of the country are experiencing more moisture than normal but widespread damage to corn crops has not been reported. Cordonnier says including the Argentinian crop, South America has produced high yields once again this season. Argentina’s early-season dryness raised concerns, but moisture conditions improved enough to support strong yields across many...
How will farm bill deliberations play out in 2025?
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is sticking with his prediction of another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill as Congress runs short on time in 2024. Grassley says that a new five-year farm bill being completed after the elections and during a lame...
Farm Credit System income up seven percent to $5.91 billion
The Farm Credit System reported that combined net income was relatively stable at $1.98 billion for the third quarter of 2024, as compared with $2 billion for the third quarter of 2023. For the nine months ending on September 20, 2024, FCS’s combined net income...
Northern Iowa agronomist reviews 24 and previews 25
As harvest wraps up, we are taking stock of what we learned from this year. We are also having to make plans for 2025. With tighter profit margins, farmers have some very tough choices. Dekalb/Asgrow agronomist Rich Judge joins us in this featured conversation.
World Food Prize laureates receive their honor
World Food Prize week in Iowa culminated last Thursday with the award of what is considered the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.” The laureate awards were awarded to two advocates of plant genetic diversity and global seed banks. World Food Prize Foundation President...
Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates
Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017,...
Rural Mainstreet Index showing lackluster results
The economy has been in a weird place. The DOW is strong, the dollar is strong, job numbers seem better than anticipated, and consumers are still paying for what they want. However, buying power is lower because prices are higher. Look no further than your local...
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NFU applauds EPA decision on E15
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew reacted after Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin decided to uphold the April 28, 2025, implementation date for year-round ethanol sales in the Midwest. “Administrator Zeldin’s announcement is a welcome...
Roasted high oleic soybeans oil closer to reality in dairy feedstocks
The United Soybean Board, through the Soy Checkoff, is continuously exploring innovative ways to boost domestic demand for U.S.-grown soybeans. One promising opportunity is to incorporate high-oleic soybeans into the diets of dairy cattle, providing a high-quality...
Ag export values to drop in 2025
The value of U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2025 is expected to drop to the lowest level in five years. USDA says shipments this year are projected to be valued at $170.5 billion, up from the $170 billion in the November 2024 outlook. That would still be the...
USDA Secretary Rollins discusses farm economy and disaster aid
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was one of the featured speakers at the annual Ag Outlook Forum last week and she addressed the difficulties of the farm economy. Rollins, whose plane back to DC was grounded, addressed the 101st Ag Outlook Forum virtually and said that...
Naig confident about future of conservation farming support
After some uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized the long-delayed cost-share payments, offering temporary relief to farmers who rely on these funds. While this decision provides some reassurance, concerns remain about the future of these...
