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Iowa corn disease pressure builds early
Tar Spot has been detected early in Iowa cornfields, raising concerns for farmers as they prepare to implement their crop protection plans. The fungal disease, which can spread rapidly under the right conditions, is showing up weeks ahead of typical timelines in some areas. This early arrival not only prompts a re-evaluation of fungicide strategies but also raises red flags about the potential for other corn disease threats this year. With a long growing season still ahead, vigilance will be...
Record ethanol production slows ahead of summer driving demand
The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving...
Vietnamese delegation signs MOUs for grain trade in Des Moines
A trade delegation led by the Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to purchase approximately 7.5 million metric tons of U.S. ag products on Monday. The signings took place at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines between...
Rain has been falling across Iowa in some large bursts
The weather has brought plenty of rain for most parts of the state recently, and it has done so in large bursts. In fact, some parts of central Iowa saw over 4.5 inches of rain in a single day. This is great for the soil moisture profiles, but it was almost too much...
U.S.-China trade a top focus at USMEF Spring Conference
The U.S.-China trade relationship was a major focus of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, which wrapped up Friday, May 23rd, in Fort Worth, Texas. Guest speaker John Newton, the executive head of Terrain, said he expects the current tariff...
Cattle industry prepares for USMCA review
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has once again brought trade policy to the forefront of national discussion. His previous use of tariffs is now facing scrutiny from the U.S. Court of International Trade, reigniting debate over their impact. But...
Iowa is still slightly dry, but rains have been helpful
The beginning of May was quite dry compared to years past, but the last third of the month brought enough rain to make it wetter than average overall. The timing couldn’t have been much better either, as many farmers were able to get their crops in the ground before...
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More Ag News
Managing swine respiratory disease with the Influenza Playbook
Over the years, more influenza strains have infiltrated the swine herd. It’s now at the point where it’s endemic to some states and breeding herds just have to live with it. This creates extra costs and also immunocompromises those infected pigs. That’s why Merck...
Northwest Iowa crops off to good start despite challenges
No growing season is perfect; there are always challenges and issues that will present themselves as the season progresses. In northwest Iowa this spring, planting season was smooth with dry weather assisting farmers in getting their crops into the ground quickly....
Companies receive investment through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge
Radicle Growth and the supporting corn growers’ associations are thrilled to announce investments in two companies identified through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by US Corn Farmers. The Radicle Challenge set out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in...
Farmers need Congress to act and extend tax provisions
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire at the end of 2025. If it’s not renewed, farmers and ranchers will face significant tax hikes. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said farmers will be put at risk if those...
GROWMARK upgrades fertilizer terminal to boost efficiency
As fertilizer demand ramps up during the spring planting season, GROWMARK has completed major upgrades to its St. Louis dry fertilizer terminal aimed at improving speed and flow for truck shipments. Terminal Manager Jordan Flurke said the original facility, built in...
