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Winter soybean strategy may help pig farmers beat the summer heat
New research funded by the Soy Checkoff suggests winter feeding decisions could help pork producers minimize the seasonal drop in carcass weights during the summer months. Researchers found that increasing soybean meal levels in grow-finish diets helped pigs maintain performance during periods of heat stress. In a commercial trial, pigs fed higher soybean meal diets produced carcasses averaging 5.5 pounds heavier than those fed the operation's previous high-energy ration. It also reduced feed...
Grain quality problems can become safety emergencies
As harvest continues across Iowa, farmers are working to get this year's crop out of the fields and into storage. But getting grain into the bin is only part of the job. Maintaining proper storage conditions is essential to protecting grain quality and preventing...
Pioneer announces partnership with country music star to address rural mental health
Over the past year, Pioneer has celebrated a century of providing seed products to farmers and helping them grow and prosper. As they kick off the 101st year as a brand, they are now trying to maintain that support for generations to come. Liz Knutson, Pioneer agency...
Higher diesel costs can change the best grain delivery choice
Higher diesel prices may prompt farmers to rethink where they deliver grain, even when a buyer farther away offers a higher price. The Soy Transportation Coalition offers an online calculator to help producers compare delivery options by weighing grain prices against...
September rains may have damaged soybean crop
Parts of Iowa and other midwestern states were impacted by heavy rainfall in the month of September and the heavy moisture has discolored some of the soybean crop. Those beans discolored by fungus are designated as Soybeans of Other Color, or SBOC, and can have a big...
Demand for U.S. pork climbing higher in Central America
Demand for U.S. pork is reaching new heights in Central America, which has been one of the fasting growing regions in recent years. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Regional Representative Lucia Ruano said expanding the use of pork beyond just raw material for...
Farmers encouraged to review grain systems after harvest
Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for Iowa farmers, and keeping combines moving is only part of the equation. Getting grain from the field into storage efficiently can make a major difference in how smoothly the season progresses. Even with careful...
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More Ag News
Farmers reaching limits of fertilizer efficiency
Farmers are being asked to do more with less, especially with fertilizer. With input costs remaining a concern and profit margins already stretched thin, producers are looking for every possible way to save money. But there is a limit to how much you can cut before...
Corn prices rally despite lack of news headlines
After a few very busy weeks of market news, this week has been much slower. As a result, the markets haven’t had much to trade on so far. Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group said both the corn and soybeans have been very oversold. Moore said the markets may be...
Cattle demand remains strong despite tight supplies
Strong consumer demand continues to support the cattle market, even as producers manage historically small herd numbers and tighter supplies. Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association said demand remains one of the brightest spots in agriculture today....
New active ingredients face long road to farmers
Uncertainty brings problems for everyone in agriculture that is trying to build long-term plans and make long-term decisions. In the case of companies that are trying to bring new active ingredients to market and give farmers new tools to battle weeds, pests, and...
Groups react to the EPA reallocation proposal
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to restore 100 percent of renewable fuel volumes waived through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a move welcomed by corn and soybean farmers. The proposal would reallocate volumes waived for...
