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Ag economy barometer drops in May
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped in May. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, talked about the decline. Farmers appeared to be deeply concerned about current conditions. Langemeier said caution is also showing up in investment behavior. Breakeven prices are expected to climb in 2026. About two-thirds of producers in the survey say they expect war in Iran to impact their bottom lines this...
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...
Farmers tracking pollination and disease pressure in mid-July
At this time of year, our crops are pollinating, and we need the weather to cooperate in order to make sure our yields can be as high as possible. Since we have plenty of moisture in the soil, it’s mostly up to the temperatures to cooperate. Nate Meyer, southwest Iowa...
Edge-of-field conservation practices are simple and effective
Edge-of-field conservation practices aren’t complicated, but they are highly effective at improving water quality. These can be as simple as a grass waterway or a buffer strip beside a small creek, or they can be much more intensive, like a bioreactor at the end of a...
Vilsack discusses expected record farm trade deficit
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says this year’s expected record farm trade deficit is due to a strong U.S. economy and U.S. criticism of a major trading partner, China. Vilsack says the U.S. economy’s strength, with its stronger dollar, is largely to blame for USDA’s...
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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...
USDA forecasts continued ag trade deficits as imports surge, exports lag
USDA is projecting another record ag trade deficit this fiscal year as imports surge and exports drop. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says that USDA expects ag imports to outpace exports for the third fiscal year in a row. That total makes up more than $215 billion...
Naig talks about what he wants from Trump 2.0
There aren’t many days left on the Congressional calendar, and a ton of work has been put off for long enough. In what has become more the rule, rather than the exception, we face another government shutdown and another year without updated farm and food legislation....
