Top Stories
Fertilizer prices climbing higher once again
Fertilizer prices appear to be on the rise again. While they have not hit the record high they reached in 2022, Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said some products, like phosphates, are climbing higher. Parum said there are two main factors driving up the cost of fertilizer for farmers and ranchers. Parum said the best way to prepare for increased input costs is to keep an eye on the market and be ready to pivot with changing conditions. For more information,...
Ethanol industry looks to ramp up push for year-round E15
The California general assembly’s approval of E15 sales in the state has given the ethanol industry the latest opportunity to seek new avenues for Congress to legislate year-round E15 sales nationally. Governor Gavin Newsom still needs to sign off on the state’s bill,...
Wider tassel wrap issues put focus on genetics
Many Midwest farmers are finding more tassel wrap in their fields this season than in years past. The condition occurs when tassels remain trapped within the plant’s upper leaves, limiting pollen shed and interfering with pollination. That lack of pollination can lead...
Some Iowa farmers are starting harvest already
Believe it or not, there are some combines running in the fields in Iowa already. With the heavy moisture we saw at the beginning of planting season, there’s going to be a lot of variance in harvest dates across the state. Jamie Horton, DEKALB/Asgrow technical...
Secretary Naig announces $200,000 investment in the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing an additional $200,000 for the second full year of the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program. Under the Department's Choose Iowa...
Farm income forecast is a tale of two farm economies
New data from the Department of Agriculture predicts farm income to increase in 2025. The latest Net Farm Income Forecast from USDA’s Economic Research Service predicts farm income to increase in 2025. However, Bernt Nelson, an economist for the American Farm Bureau...
California E15 approval estimated to absorb 200 million bushels of corn
The California general assembly’s approval of E15 sales last week is expected to boost corn demand at a time growers are preparing to harvest a record crop. The law is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and will be a big breakthrough for the ethanol...
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National crop ratings dip, Iowa fares better than most
Iowa’s corn and soybean crops have had their fair share of bumps this season, from disease pressure to stretches of unfavorable weather. Even so, fields across much of the state are holding up better than expected, and in many cases better than average. That...
CLAAS FARMPOINT expands footprint in Iowa
CLASS FARMPOINT is increasing its commitment to Iowa agriculture with a new service center in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the company’s second permanent location in the state. The expansion brings equipment, support and services even closer to area farmers, ensuring farmers’...
Secretary Naig extends sign-up for cover crop cost-share through September 18
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding...
Getting a comprehensive look at soil nutrients with tissue and soil tests
Harvest is approaching fast- in fact, some parts of the state have rolled out combines already. Once this year’s crop is out of the field, it’ll be an ideal time to do some soil testing. Eileen Bernard, director of farm and retail growth at Farmers Edge, said farmers...
July was strong for pork exports, weak for beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S....
