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BASF providing farmers with more tools to grow successful crops
Nobody in the state of Iowa would describe 2024 as normal. While it gave us more moisture than in years past, it also gave us a very dry second half of the year, which opened the door to different diseases and pests. The best we can do is learn from the lessons learned this past growing season. They are what we must think about as we prepare for 2025. Bill Backhaus is with BASF, and he talks a bit about what he saw in Iowa this past year. Backhaus says that success in 2025 will be based on...
Low-crop-price relief still an active topic on Capitol Hill
Relief for low crop prices in a lame-duck session is still an active topic on Capitol Hill as prospects for a new farm bill this year dwindle with the close of the 118th Congress. American Farm Bureau’s Joe Gilson has been meeting with farm lawmakers and staffers,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-31-24)
Once again, the weekly export sales have been great for both corn and soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said we almost had record-setting sales in both grains. Flash sales also continued to come it at a great pace. McBride said there are a few factors...
Western Region FFA VP brings rural and urban experience
There are four new regional vice presidents on this year’s National FFA Leadership team. One is Abigale Jacobsen, the West Region Vice President from Elk Grove, California. Jacobsen said her background, with plenty of rural and urban experience, gives her a unique...
Secretary Naig announces the creation of the Iowa organic advisory council
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the formation of the Iowa Organic Advisory Council within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and appointed seven Iowans to serve on it. A similar Organic Advisory Council existed previously...
Secretary Naig talks about the wrap up of Harvest
As Mother Nature forces many of us into a slowdown this week, we do have a lot to be thankful for. All in all, the conditions for harvest were ideal. Yes, we would like to see more rain, but when you need to be able to just keep plugging away, Mother Nature has...
Benson Hill unveils updated website made with farmers in mind
In the effort to tell the company’s new brand story, Benson Hill has updated and enhanced its website. The changes now showcase how Benson Hill’s seed innovations are driving a more sustainable future for feed, food, and fuel markets. Rich LaBonte, vice president of...
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Northern Iowa agronomist reviews 24 and previews 25
As harvest wraps up, we are taking stock of what we learned from this year. We are also having to make plans for 2025. With tighter profit margins, farmers have some very tough choices. Dekalb/Asgrow agronomist Rich Judge joins us in this featured conversation.
World Food Prize laureates receive their honor
World Food Prize week in Iowa culminated last Thursday with the award of what is considered the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.” The laureate awards were awarded to two advocates of plant genetic diversity and global seed banks. World Food Prize Foundation President...
Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates
Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017,...
Rural Mainstreet Index showing lackluster results
The economy has been in a weird place. The DOW is strong, the dollar is strong, job numbers seem better than anticipated, and consumers are still paying for what they want. However, buying power is lower because prices are higher. Look no further than your local...
TN visa program is a key part of the ag labor force
With agricultural labor challenges across the entire sector, some farmers and ranchers are turning to a unique type of visa to alleviate the burden. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the TN visa program is meant to...