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Farmers trim input costs as profit margins remain tight
Farmers across the Corn Belt are reducing spending on fertilizer, seed and crop protection products as they prepare for another year of narrow profit margins. Agricultural economists and industry analysts report that many producers are carefully managing expenses after several seasons of declining crop prices and higher operating costs. While fertilizer prices have moderated from record highs seen in recent years, input costs remain elevated compared with historical averages. Farm management...
Milk will be front and center for Indy 500
Memorial Day weekend is steeped in many traditions. Many are reflective as we honor the fallen heroes of our armed services. Some are more entertaining, and one of those is the annual running of one of America’s premiere auto racing events, the Indianapolis 500. Just...
Connecting with consumers to put more pork on the plate (Part 2)
Among younger generations in the United States, fresh pork consumption is on the decline. What does that mean for the pork industry and how can the industry adapt to make pork the protein of choice for younger consumers? Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, says...
Thompson proceeding with House farm bill markup
The markup for House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson’s farm bill will move ahead on Thursday despite scores from the Congressional Budget Office that raise questions. The CBO says the scores provided don’t amount to offsets that would allow the bill to be...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-23-24)
The USDA released another low-key export sales report this week, with both corn and soybeans coming within the estimates once again. However, this is looking great for corn, as that market has now seen five consecutive weeks of decent or better export sales. Allendale...
USDA funding expanded opportunities for overseas markets
The USDA is allocating $300 million to 66 organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency launched RAPP in October 2023 to expand marketing opportunities overseas for American agricultural...
E15 ready for the summer driving season
This weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer. Many schools are out, pools are opening, grills are heating up, and vacations are being planned. That is why with all the busy activities you have planned; it is important to save money wherever you can. That is where...
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More Ag News
Pioneer brand Brock Purdy jerseys raise money for scholarships for Iowa ag students
When San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy recently appeared in a commercial for the Pioneer brand wearing a custom Pioneer green Brock Purdy jersey, it led to a simple question from viewers. “Where can I get a Pioneer branded Brock Purdy jersey?” This led to an...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-18-24)
Export sales are continuing their positive trend, but pressure is building in the marketplace from both harvest and the rain in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. McBride said the flash sales have continued to be...
Vets can help with swine traceability goals
Traceability is an important topic in the livestock industry. Dr. Patrick Webb, assistant chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, said that real-time traceability is vital to keeping the pork industry safe from a disease outbreak. Webb said veterinarians play...
U.S. loss would be South America’s gain
A new economic study paints a troubling picture of the potential results a new U.S.-China trade war could have on hundreds of thousands of rural communities. It shows that American-imposed tariffs would come at a steep cost to American farmers and ranchers while...
Farm tire needs are changing and Firestone Ag has adapted
As the ag industry grows and changes, it is safe to assume that our equipment needs will change, too. As farms grow larger and more spread out, implements spend a lot of time on the road as well as in the field. This means that you need to drive those implements on...
