Top Stories
Livestock groups react to NWS confirmation
U.S. livestock groups reacted to the USDA’s confirmation of the New World Screwworm in South Texas. “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and our state partner organizations have been working for more than a year to combat the incursion of the New World Screwworm, and we’re doing everything possible to protect the interests of America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. The National Milk Producers Federation said while it’s a disappointing milestone, it’s one they’ve also...
Holding old crop grain could be “playing with fire”
We are unofficially halfway through the growing season, and we will be harvesting before we know it. Before we start, there are a few decisions that must be made. One is dealing with any old crop grain you still have in the bin. The quarterly grain stocks report at...
Climatological answers for a sudden and rapid derecho
A seemingly random derecho- along with a few tornadoes- tore through the Midwest earlier this week, but was it even random at all? As always, there are answers to that in the observed climate patterns. Iowa’s State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said a heat dome...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-18-24)
The export sales numbers flipped the script this week, with a rather normal week in corn and some optimism in the soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. The fairer market weather in the soybeans was...
Soybean prices facing downward pressure
USDA analysts are examining soybean planted acreage and other data in hopes of determining the size of the upcoming soybean crop. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski. That is less than a 1% increase over last year’s crop. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark...
Eight candidates pursue title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess
Eight young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete to win the title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des...
Little flies can cause big problems
Efficient production is the key to the success of any livestock operation. It goes well beyond just the meat and dairy products that we are producing; it also is a huge factor in our herd health. As they say, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.” Or is it...
Video
More Ag News
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...
Secretary Naig announces availability of Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is once again offering Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to expand the availability of Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made foods, beverages, and other...
