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Diesel prices remain high as harvest gets underway
Diesel prices continue climbing, leaving farmers wondering how long this will continue. Crude oil prices have shown signs of easing, but diesel prices are not following suit, putting even more pressure on the farm economy. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said crude oil and diesel prices don’t typically follow the same track. Parum said the spike occurring during harvest for much of farm country has squeezed margins even further. Parum said it’s hard to...
RMA changes offer farmers added financial flexibility
Farmers will have some additional flexibility in the federal crop insurance program following two recent changes announced by USDA’s Risk Management Agency. RMA Administrator Pat Swanson, who is also an Iowa farmer, says one of those changes is the return of the...
Historic grain price rallies have defined this August
Contrary to what we would normally expect, there has been a lot of market action this month. As we approach harvest season, there’s a legitimate chance that farmers might see price rallies that warrant some serious grain selling conversations. Michael Weidner,...
New agricultural innovations highlight Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show is back in Boone Iowa this year and will take place next week September 1st-3rd. The Farm Progress Show is the largest outdoor farm show in the country and brings tens of thousands of people to central Iowa. In addition to drawing in showgoers...
Iowa soybean farmers urged to watch for red crown rot as disease spreads
Soybean farmers seeing signs of sudden death syndrome are being urged to inspect plants closely for red crown rot, an emerging disease that can produce nearly identical leaf symptoms. Iowa State University Extension confirmed red crown rot last week in a southeastern...
USDA implementing three-stage cattle import protocol
After halting imports to limit the spread of New World Screwworm, the U.S. is importing cattle from Mexico once again. As imports resume, a three-stage protection protocol will help to control the further spread of NWS in the U.S. Alan Huddleston, USDA acting chief...
Iowa field trials show biological treatment differences
Wet conditions earlier this growing season created opportunities for disease development in Iowa fields, even as much of the state's corn and soybean crop continues to show strong yield potential. NewLeaf Symbiotics plant pathologist Allison Jack recently traveled...
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Harvest opens key SCN testing window in Iowa
As soybean harvest approaches across Iowa, farmers have an opportunity to check their fields for a pest that can quietly reduce yields without producing obvious symptoms. Soybean cyst nematode, or SCN, remains one of the most damaging soybean pests, and once it...
Naig reveals additional funding for Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program
Just 10 days of the program expansion being announced at the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said funding for the expanded Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program was fully obligated to Iowa livestock producers. Naig said the program, which is...
GeoKnife offers Iowa growers a new approach to soil sampling
At this week’s Farm Progress Show the Iowa Ag Radio Network stopped by the PTx tent to learn about the new soil sampling tool, GeoKnife, from Radicle Agronomics. Adam Vaccari explains the thought process around the development of GeoKnife and how it can help Iowa’s...
DOJ expands beef price investigation to major retailers
The U.S. Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into record-high beef prices, widening its review to include eight major grocery chains, according to Meatingplace. The retailers involved are Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize,...
Farmers and ranchers are facing a growing pile of issues
While there is a rebound in ag exports for 2025 and 2026, growth remains below desired levels. New policy measures out of Washington, such as President Trump’s decision to allow tariff-free beef imports, are creating even higher levels of uncertainty for farmers and...
