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Nitrogen response clear, profitability still the question
Few inputs carry more weight in corn production than nitrogen. It fuels yield potential, but it also drains farm budgets at a time when fertilizer prices remain elevated. Ongoing research is helping to refine our understanding, confirming long-held practices while shedding light on how growers can maximize their return on every dollar spent. Researchers are seeing just how much nitrogen can shape a corn crop. University of Illinois Extension’s Dr. John Jones explains that in their recent...
August WASDE threw a curveball at the corn markets
With trade uncertainty on the minds of many farmers, the USDA threw the corn market a curveball. The August WASDE report gave farmers and ranchers across the country an interesting look into how production might look this fall. Faith Parum, an economist with the...
449 Century and Heritage Farm families honored at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson honored 449 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same...
Crops are promising, but yields need to be protected
The recent WASDE report from the USDA confirmed that this year’s crops have great potential. Now, it’s important for farmers to keep a close eye on their crops and do whatever they can to realize those potential yields. Kurt Maertens, BASF technical service...
Corn yield estimate will affect local basis levels
On Tuesday, USDA published the August WASDE report with a corn yield estimate of 188.8 bu. That number was well above the trade guesses going into the report and signifies the potential for a massive crop. That is Naomi Blohm of Total Farm Marketing who says that the...
Iowa producers urge action on farm bill & trade
In yesterday’s coverage, we noted the wide range of policy issues weighing on Iowa farmers. Today’s focus narrows to two of the most immediate priorities: passing a comprehensive farm bill and addressing ongoing trade challenges. While the Reconciliation Bill approved...
IFB celebrates Farm Bureau Day at 2025 Iowa State Fair
Farm Bureau Park is one of the top locations at the Iowa State Fair, and that’s especially true during Farm Bureau Day, which took place on August 12th. It’s a great opportunity to visit with producers and connect them with consumers for a great educational...
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Cooperative Iowa weather has led to rapid crop growth
This year’s weather has been mostly outstanding for the crops, and that is easy to see when you look at your nearest corn and soybean fields. Too much rapid growth can cause problems, however, and Iowa farmers are seeing that this year. David Hoy, northeast Iowa...
Grassley sees Section 301 as back-up if courts block Trump tariffs
Brazil has been a hot topic in United States ag policy in recent months, and United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that is justified. Senator Grassley says that the Section 301 probe just launched against Brazil is needed in case President Trump’s tariffs,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-20-25)
It’s been dry for so long in South America that it’s almost time already for the next planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said harvest in Brazil is getting close to...
Oil group challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits
A top U.S. oil trade group is opposing a government proposal to cut incentives for biofuel imports. The group joined multiple organizations in pushing back against the administration’s resolve to keep the policy in the months ahead. The criticism will force the Trump...
Wehrbein: Market highs bring relief and uncertainty
Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health...
