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Farmers are dealing with severe financial stress
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is bringing attention to the financial plight of the country’s farmers and ranchers. A recent AFBF Market Intel Report shows that financial stress is severe and persistent across farm country. John Newton, AFBF vice president of public policy and economic analysis, said the factors behind the stress are well-known. Newton said trade losses heightened the challenges in an already difficult economic environment. While some help was made available in the...
Nitrogen response clear, profitability still the question
Few inputs carry more weight in corn production than nitrogen. It fuels yield potential, but it also drains farm budgets at a time when fertilizer prices remain elevated. Ongoing research is helping to refine our understanding, confirming long-held practices while...
Food Bank of Iowa receives bee-utiful donation of honey
Today, the Sioux Honey Cooperative and Fareway Stores partnered up to donate 6,480 bottles of honey to the Food Bank of Iowa. A natural source of antioxidants and energy, honey is a healthy and easy-to-use addition to the meals that are provided for food-insecure...
Central Iowa farm demonstrates potential of water conservation practices
Earlier this week, the Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership hosted a field day to celebrate a new on-farm wetland at the Helland Family Farm near Madrid, Iowa. This wetland is particularly notable due to its proximity to the Des Moines metro and its ability to serve...
A return to above normal temperatures in mid-September
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says near to above normal temperatures and precipitation are expected for most of the nation for the week of September 16th-22nd. Rippey says the National Weather Service’s 8-14 day outlook calls for a return of warmer temperatures in...
Ag trade deficit hit another record high in July
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit widened further in July, highlighting the challenge facing President Donald Trump as he vows to reverse the trend. Agricultural exports lagged imports by $4.97 billion in July, a gap 9% wider than a year earlier and the largest on...
Grassley warns trade stalemate hurts U.S. farmers
The Trump Administration’s approach to trade has led to prolonged uncertainty in agricultural markets, leaving farmers to contend with tighter margins and unsettled outlooks. While the intent has been to secure better terms for the United States, many of the disputes...
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Naig urges vigilance as fall bird flu risk returns
As fall settles in across the Midwest, the return of migratory birds is once again raising concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1. Neighboring states have already confirmed new cases of the virus, a reminder that the threat remains present...
Farmers need to be thinking about next year’s weed control
As harvest approaches, now is a great time to be evaluating how this crop season went in preparation for next year. Travis Ralfs, territory account manager with Valent, said weed control should be at the top of the list for soybean farmers in particular. Weeds like...
Warm weather to continue through the end of the month
The warm weather that has been present throughout much of the nation during the middle portion of September is expected to continue through the end of the month and beginning of October. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey details the 8-14 day outlook for the period of...
TFI praises Congressional support for phosphate as a critical mineral
The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today praised members of Congress in both chambers for joining a letter sent to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in support of adding phosphate to the U.S. Geological Survey’s list of critical minerals. The letter, a...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-25-25)
This week’s export sales are continuing the usual trends. Corn sales are doing very well, while soybeans continue to struggle. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers. While this week’s soybean sales weren’t terrible on their...
