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Rainfall supports higher yield estimates for Iowa crops
Another round of rain has gone through the state, and this time the western region finally got some relieving moisture. As indicated by the August producer survey from StoneX, this may lead to a strong crop for most Iowa farmers. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said the state has been divided into a dry segment and a wet segment by I-35 for most of this summer. The weather in August is critical for both crops, but Bjorklund said it’s especially important for soybean...
Central Iowa farm demonstrates potential of water conservation practices
Earlier this week, the Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership hosted a field day to celebrate a new on-farm wetland at the Helland Family Farm near Madrid, Iowa. This wetland is particularly notable due to its proximity to the Des Moines metro and its ability to serve...
A return to above normal temperatures in mid-September
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says near to above normal temperatures and precipitation are expected for most of the nation for the week of September 16th-22nd. Rippey says the National Weather Service’s 8-14 day outlook calls for a return of warmer temperatures in...
Ag trade deficit hit another record high in July
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit widened further in July, highlighting the challenge facing President Donald Trump as he vows to reverse the trend. Agricultural exports lagged imports by $4.97 billion in July, a gap 9% wider than a year earlier and the largest on...
Grassley warns trade stalemate hurts U.S. farmers
The Trump Administration’s approach to trade has led to prolonged uncertainty in agricultural markets, leaving farmers to contend with tighter margins and unsettled outlooks. While the intent has been to secure better terms for the United States, many of the disputes...
Raising awareness of food insecurity this Hunger Action Month
Food insecurity continues to grow in Iowa, especially in rural areas. Every single county in Iowa is experiencing heightened food insecurity- in fact, 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children don’t know where or when they will get their next meal. But if we can all work...
Golden Harvest delivering trait choices that Iowa growers need
The Golden Harvest line-up of corn is continuing to find new ways to innovate in the push for higher yields, protection from disease, and trait choices that growers want. Rex Gray is a product manager with Golden Harvest and says the Syngenta brand has been investing...
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More Ag News
Grain markets react negatively to November WASDE
Friday brought us the first WASDE report in two months, and the markets had lofty expectations. However, the figures from this report were disappointing and caused a negative reaction in the grain prices to end the week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said...
Increased biofuel demand could boost farm economy
At a time when the farm economy is facing a downward turn, farmers and ranchers are looking for expanded market opportunities. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said increased biofuel production could be one avenue to increase farm...
The push for a skinny farm bill before the end of the year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Friday if a skinny farm bill can be passed before the end of the year. Grassley says that Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is working towards that goal. Grassley expands on the landscape of the Senate and potential...
From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
Trade trip aims to deepen ties with Vietnam and Indonesia
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was wheels up early this morning as he headed out on a state trade mission to Southeast Asia. The delegation will spend the next several days in Vietnam and Indonesia, two fast-growing markets that continue to show strong interest...
