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Corn and soybean inspections dropped last week
Corn and soybean export inspections declined last week, while wheat inspections improved, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA says 1.54 million metric tons of corn were inspected for export during the week ending July 9, down from the previous week but still above the same week last year. Soybean inspections fell to 418,592 metric tons, although they remained well ahead of year-ago levels. Wheat inspections climbed to 373,611 metric tons from the...
Recapping the winter weather season
For the most part, the 2024-2025 winter season in Iowa was mild with warmer temperatures and not much precipitation to help replenish soil moisture levels. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that the final numbers from the winter months of December, January, and...
Producers have until April 15th to enroll in key safety net programs
Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15, 2025 to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm...
Secretary Naig praises Iowa farmers during Iowa Ag Week
National Ag Week and Day were two weeks ago, and Iowa celebrated Iowa Ag Week last week. However, the events come to a culmination tonight in Ankeny for the Ag Leaders Dinner. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to speak along with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig. It’s...
Enhanced corn traits can help battle rootworm pressure
The weather has warmed up significantly as of late, and that means that planting season is right around the corner. The team at DEKALB is excited to see how the proven VT4PRO technology will perform against this year’s pest pressure. Seth Irwin, DEKALB product...
Understanding the importance of rural roadway infrastructure
An often overlooked but vital aspect of rural life is the safety and maintenance of highways, roads and bridges. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing recently testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways...
Lower hog and pig inventory for 2025 first quarter
USDA released the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report for first quarter 2025 on Thursday March 27th. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the inventory of hogs in the United States is lower than at this time last year. He expands on the numbers for the...
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More Ag News
Water hemp is one of the top weeds impacting Iowa crops
So far, most of Iowa’s crops are looking healthy, which is especially important as we enter the critical timeframe for pollination. Weed control is incredibly important in making sure that crops are healthy, and one of the top problem weeds is water hemp. Travis...
Nursery stage nutrition helps set the stage for maximum potential
Healthy and strong nursery pigs are essential to ensuring that each animal reaches its maximum potential. If a piglet does not receive the essential minerals and nutrients, it can limit their potential in the long run. Jeremiah Nemechek is a tech services nutritionist...
Iowa farmers can cultivate their farm’s brand
In tough economic times, farmers are looking for alternative income streams and ways to increase their profit margins. One way is through direct-to-consumer sales, whether through farmers' markets, roadside stands, or online. In Iowa, the Choose Iowa program has...
U.S. Senate delivers wins for pork producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language. National Pork Producers Council President...
Rare bug near Iowa prompts field warnings
Profit margins are already razor-thin for many Midwest farmers this year, prompting increased diligence in scouting and early detection of crop threats. With careful planning and proactive crop protection strategies in place, most producers felt prepared for the...
