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Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting a stormy first half of winter
Fall has officially started, and already a lot of focus is on what the weather might look like this winter. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the first half of this coming winter might be similar to the winter of 1997-1998, which was one of the warmest and wettest winters in U.S. history. Carol Connare, editor-in-chief of the Old Farmer’s Almanac said the comparison is focused on precipitation, temperatures, and timing. Connare said they make these long-term predictions by looking at...
China continues buying U.S. soybeans ahead of Xi visit
China's recent buying spree continued Thursday when USDA announced another 272,000 metric tons of U.S. soybean sales to China for the 2026-27 marketing year. USDA also reported 206,500 tons sold to unidentified destinations. Those sales follow China's purchase of...
Autonomous sprayer targets weeds around the clock
Autonomous equipment is becoming increasingly common in agriculture, but Solinftec is taking the concept beyond simply removing an operator from the cab. Its SOLIX robot is designed to remain in the field, continuously scouting for weeds and treating them as they...
September WASDE report falls short of lofty market expectations
After seeing lower yields than expected from the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, the markets anticipated significant yield changes in the September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. However, the USDA did not end up making as significant of...
New WOTUS rule finally provides much-needed clarity
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers recently announced a new Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. After years of asking for more clarity, farmers are finally gaining a clear understanding of the federal government’s jurisdiction. American Farm Bureau President Zippy...
Digital crop acreage reporting goes national
A USDA crop acreage reporting pilot program that operated this summer in 12 Farm Service Agency county offices is now operational nationwide. That is USDA Farm Production Undersecretary Richard Fordyce who says that the 12 county offices that used the pilot program...
Late-season weather adds uncertainty to Midwest corn and soybeans
Weather remains a concern for U.S. corn and soybean producers as harvest begins following a growing season marked by periods of excessive rainfall and extreme heat. Flooding during August damaged crops in portions of the Midwest after some areas received more than 12...
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Soybean checkoff turns research into new demand
Soybeans are most commonly associated with food, livestock feed, and renewable fuels, but a growing share of soybean research is looking at what the crop can do beyond those traditional markets. From tires and lubricants to firefighting foam, industrial uses are...
Propane can be used for more than just grain drying
Many farmers primarily use propane in grain drying equipment, but with the ever-rising prices of fuel and energy, propane can offer a more affordable power option. Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education and Research...
Weather systems and precipitation slowing early harvest efforts
As farmers are beginning to harvest in Iowa, they are encountering some slowdowns with a widespread weather system delivering rain to the Midwest. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that a moisture laden weather system is making its way across the country this week....
Pork producers advocating for industry priorities on Capitol Hill
The National Pork Producers Council has brought nearly 100 pig farmers from about 20 states to Capitol Hill for the Legislative Action Conference this week. NPPC Vice President Todd Marotz said they are meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and sharing the story of an...
Secretary Naig announces 125 schools receive Choose Iowa local food for schools grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that 125 Iowa public and private schools will receive funding through the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program to purchase Iowa grown and raised food. Each participating school will receive approximately...
