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NCGA survey shows rising alarm over fertilizer costs
U.S. corn farmers are growing increasingly concerned about fertilizer affordability and availability, with worries extending beyond the current planting season. That’s according to new survey results released by the National Corn Growers Association. Surveys conducted in late March show that while many growers secured fertilizer for the 2026 crop, anxiety is rising sharply for 2027. For every farmer concerned about 2026, nearly two report greater concern for the following year. “Fertilizer...
Nitrogen ROI matters more in 2026
With tighter crop margins forcing farmers to scrutinize every input dollar this season, nitrogen management remains one of the biggest opportunities to protect return on investment. Ron Calhoun with Nutrien says the focus is not simply cutting nitrogen, but improving...
Taking the guesswork out of fungicide applications
Figuring out when to apply fungicide can be a difficult task. There are certain things farmers can look for, but, overall, it remains mostly as an educated guess. Pioneer has a new tool that will help eliminate that guesswork and maximize yield potential. Trent Brisby...
Ecuador agrees to reciprocal trade agreement with U.S.
On March 13, Ecuador became the ninth country to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. The agreement will take some time to implement, but once in place it will remove both tariff and non-tariff barriers for U.S. beef and pork exports. U.S....
IDALS awards 30 value-added Choose Iowa grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded 30 Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to Iowa farmers, small businesses, and organizations located across the state. Grant recipients were...
Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies
Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition...
Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...
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Corteva excited for farmers to use Forcivo fungicide in 2026
Last year’s crop season was defined by one major factor: late-season disease pressure. And while Southern Rust is not projected to be as big of an issue this year, farmers will always have to deal with other fungal diseases like frogeye leaf spot and tar spot. Madison...
A shift in weather conditions for April
Spring weather is always tricky for growers. On the one hand, after a dry winter, spring showers are needed to help replenish soil moisture. But on the other hand, too much moisture can disrupt field work and planting for farmers. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a...
Secretary Naig highlights E15 savings in annual Iowa fuel report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today highlighted the significant savings Iowa drivers are seeing from choosing E15 at the gas pump following the release of the 2025 Retailers Fuel Gallons Annual Report by the Iowa Department of Revenue. “In 2025 alone, E15...
Pork producers encouraged to start a Secure Pork Supply Plan
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, allows producers to voluntarily create an enhanced biosecurity and continuity plan, tailored to their operation. Dr. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health with the National Pork Board, says the recently reviewed SPS provides...
Nemasphere aims at silent soybean losses
Soybean cyst nematode remains one of the most costly hidden yield threats in soybean production, and BASF says its upcoming Nemasphere trait platform is designed to help growers protect more of the yield potential already built into today’s soybean genetics. The...
