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Strong soybean yields meet steep quality discounts
Soybean producers across the country, including here in Iowa, are dealing with quality discounts that are cutting into the value of their crops despite strong yields in many areas. While discolored soybeans have received much of the attention, concerns over test weight and foreign material are also affecting what farmers receive for their bushels. The severity of those discounts varies by region, but they are adding another challenge for producers already dealing with pressure in the soybean...
Seed Sovereignty Initiative capitalizes on U.S. seed collection
Yesterday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $180 million investment into the new Seed Sovereignty Initiative. This provides much-needed support for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA...
Diesel tax relief is appreciated, but costs are still high
Earlier this week, President Trump made an executive order to temporarily allow tax-free dyed diesel to be used on highways and defer the federal diesel tax through the end of the year. While farm groups are welcoming any relief this move could provide, many say the...
Fall warmth kickstarts harvest in Iowa
After an abnormally wet September, drier conditions have returned to some of the key row crop growing regions of the country in October. USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the drier conditions are leading to a slow and steady return to harvest activity in...
Farm bill expiration leaves rural programs in uncertainty
The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30, leaving Congress without a new long-term agriculture policy. The Farm Bill covers farm safety-net programs, conservation, crop insurance, food assistance, and other programs important to rural America....
Earlier planted soybeans reshape waterhemp management
Earlier soybean planting has become increasingly common as growers look to extend the growing season and capture more yield potential. But that shift can also change the timing of one of the crop's biggest weed management challenges. BASF Technical Marketing Manager...
Secretary Rollins announces funding for new Seed Sovereignty Initiative
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Prairie City, Iowa, today to announce a $180 million investment into a new Seed Sovereignty Initiative, which aims to protect valuable plant genetics resources and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agriculture innovation. Rollins said...
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John Deere Foundation announces $18.5 million investment in food bank system
Today, the John Deere Foundation announced an $18.5 million multi-year Farm-to-Plate strategy to address food insecurity in the Midwest. The investment will support Feeding America partner food banks, recover farm-grown food, and connect over one hundred Iowa farmers...
AFBF encouraged by progress on Renewable Fuel Standard
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Peosta, Iowa, today to announce a draft rule to reallocate renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions. The rule would provide 100 percent reallocation of the renewable fuel volume...
Iowa native takes helm of United Soybean Board
The United Soybean Board has a new leader, and she brings strong Iowa roots to the position. Courtney Knupp, who grew up on a soybean farm in Washington County, Iowa, has taken over as CEO of the national organization. She steps into the role at a time when soybean...
Why milk components matter more than ever
New dairy research is putting a dollar value on a trait many producers have been focusing on for years: milk components. CoBank Dairy Economist Corey Geiger says the difference between top and bottom performing herds can add up to hundreds of dollars per cow annually...
Lawmakers push for reallocation of lost renewable fuel volumes
A bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small-refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois led the effort,...
