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Corn and soybean planting near completion nationwide
Most U.S. farmers have nearly finished spring planting as crop conditions remain generally favorable. According to USDA data reported by Successful Farming, 97% of the nation’s corn crop has been planted, while soybean planting is more than 90% complete. Kentucky, Nebraska and North Carolina have already finished corn planting. USDA reports show 67% of the corn crop is rated good to excellent, reflecting favorable weather across much of the Corn Belt. Soybean emergence is also progressing...
Biofuel groups welcome Supreme Court decision on SREs
The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy were pleased with a Supreme Court decision on Small Refinery Exemptions. They issued a joint statement saying the Fifth Circuit Court wasn’t the right venue to hear challenges on small refinery exemptions. “Because the...
John Deere updates its Ag training facility
When you work with sophisticated equipment, you need sophisticated training. As the precision agriculture industry has grown, the technology and tools need to be sold and serviced by people who are well-trained in the operation of these machines and can recommend the...
Pork industry using research to overcome trade barriers
Recently published research demonstrates how Pork Quality Assurance® Plus on-farm standards and partnerships between national pork organizations and USDA can overcome trade barriers specific to trichina. Courtney Knupp, vice president of international market...
USMEF honoring recipients of two prestigious awards
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2024 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 7th at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Nick Giordano, the former lead lobbyist for the National Pork...
Seed technology advancements helping growers stay one step ahead
With a very wet start to the growing season followed by an extremely dry and warm finish in August and September, the weather has thrown a lot of curveballs at growers this year. Eric Bartels is a northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist, and he says that advancements...
Distressed agricultural borrowers get $250 million in USDA assistance
The Department of Agriculture announced an additional $250 million in automatic payments for distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. With the assistance more than 4,600 producers across the country will...
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Egg and chicken production down in 2024
A new report from USDA sheds light on chicken and egg production in the U.S. last year. The USDA released its annual Chicken and Eggs Summary this week, which presents data on the number of egg layers, egg production, and the total U.S. chicken inventory as of...
A strong knowledge base is key to navigating a difficult economy
As the threat of potential tariffs looms, the economic outlook is uncertain. Many people are attempting to make financial plans that will hopefully help navigate market volatility. However, Matt Roberts, chief planning officer at Syverson Strege, said a disciplined...
Mild Iowa winter could lead to insect pressure
Despite the recent snowfall and extreme cold, the state of Iowa is in the midst of a relatively mild winter by Iowa’s standards. While day-to-day life is helped by mild winter weather, it can also have negative knock-on effects for the 2025 growing season. Adrienne...
Legislation would allow year-round E15 sale
Senators Chuck Grassley and Deb Fischer of Iowa, both Senate Ag Committee members, reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation is currently the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of E15, which would...
Farmers must understand macroeconomy to secure their future
For generations, farmers have focused on weather patterns, soil health, and market prices, but today, they realize that the broader macroeconomy plays a crucial role in their success. Interest rates, inflation, and global trade policies now shape everything from input...
