Top Stories
Uncertainty around Brazil’s production forecast for 2027
Brazil’s corn and soybean crops could have a major impact on global grain markets. Joanna Colussi, a research assistant professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, identified fertilizer as the root of the problem. Colussi discussed how the stagnant profit margins put financial stress on farmers. According to her, farmers are now forced to take out loans to cover costs. For Colussi, unfavorable weather could also be a limiting factor in Brazilian farmers' crop...
Secretary Naig talks the end of Harvest 2024
As the combines are put away, the tillage is finished, and the fertilizers are being applied, we see the 2024 harvest ending in Iowa. On my travels to Kansas City, I only passed one cornfield still standing. It marks a harvest in which Mother Nature had a rare moment...
Using multiple modes of action against corn rootworm
Corn rootworm is a pest that robs farmers of yields every year. When fighting against it, though, it’s important to make sure that you’re not relying on just one method. Wen Carter, marketing manager with AMVAC, said there was a notable amount of corn rootworm...
USDA reports rising cattle feedlot placements
The key takeaway from the USDA November Cattle on Feed report is that the number of placements into feedlots remains high. That’s USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell who says that producers placed more cattle into feedlots in October than a year ago with...
Corn growers release quarterly economic update
The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize...
USMEF seminar helps exporters navigate Cuban market
After many years of having a minimal presence in the market, U.S. red meat is gaining traction in Cuba, due in part to an expansion of private sector buying. To help U.S. suppliers capitalize on this opportunity, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently held...
The dangers of SCN resistance
When discussing the tools available to combat Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN), we often talk about two modes of action. PI88788 & PEKING. These two weapons have been the two most effective tools we have. However, there are drawbacks when we look at their...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-20-25)
This week’s export sales contained some good and some bad, which has the markets moving in several different directions. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn export sales almost set a weekly record. On the other hand, the soybean export totals for...
Over $1.6 million raised for FFA
The National FFA Organization is proud to announce that its more than one million members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the tenth annual Give FFA Day. The money raised will directly support FFA and agricultural education for local FFA...
Farmers and ranchers need Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extended
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire this year if Congress doesn’t take action. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said that letting the TCJA expire would have significant impacts to agriculture and...
Support announced for HPAI prevention research
USDA is continuing to roll out its plan to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry flocks. On Thursday United States Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced funding for research to assist prevention. The emergency funding is available through a...
Weed control savings versus future costs
Last fall, we had the chance to talk with FMC’s Gail Stratman. We discussed the challenge facing farmers in 2025. We knew that cutting input costs would be an option that farmers would consider going into this growing season, but we mentioned a few places where...
