Top Stories
Fertilizer price probe opens as farm margins tighten
The Federal Trade Commission has opened an industrywide investigation into fertilizer prices after sharp increases during spring planting. Reuters reported that FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the agency is using civil investigative demands to gather documents and testimony. The probe comes as growers face higher fertilizer and fuel costs, drought in parts of the Plains and another year of narrow margins. Reuters said urea prices have climbed 55% since shipping through the Strait of Hormuz...
Global pork production returning to profitability
A recent Rabobank report says the global pork industry is starting to shift as sow herd numbers begin to plateau after declining for some time. The stabilization is a result of better-than-expected consumption trends coupled with reduced production costs across most...
Renewable propane is a groundbreaking area of bio-based fuels
We have spent a lot of time talking about the renewable fuels marketplace. Whether it is E15, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or even bio-diesel, we can find solutions to our energy and environmental needs in many ways. As we focus on many of these ag-based products, the...
Slow start to planting could make for an interesting May WASDE
Friday’s upcoming WASDE report is an important one, as it is the first report after the start of planting season. While the beginning of planting season has been slow, analysts are unsure of whether or not any changes will be made by the USDA. Ross Baldwin of...
Interest rates and low prices are still squeezing farmers
Rabobank’s RaboResearch team released its bimonthly North American Agribusiness Review. The report analyzes market conditions and trends in North American agriculture. Roland Fumasi, North American Regional Head of RaboResearch, said interest rates are still squeezing...
Grassley says Congress still not close to agreeing on farm bill framework
Despite apparent progress towards continuing work on the farm bill, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) does not think that Congress is any closer to finding agreement on the framework of a new bill. Instead, both sides appear still entrenched in their...
Secretary Naig announces increased cover crop cost-share incentives
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering increased cost-share incentives for cover crop planting through the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI). The popular annual cost-share...
Video
More Ag News
Practical Farmers of Iowa encouraging farmers to reduce nitrogen applications
Enrollment is now open for the Practical Farmers of Iowa N Rate Risk Protection Program. Both farmers who are experienced and farmers who are new to reducing rates are eligible to lower their financial risk due to reduced nitrogen application. Chelsea Ferrie, PFI’s...
Suspended dockworkers strike more reason for new farm bill
The East and Gulf Coast dockworkers strike has been suspended until January 15th and it is yet another reason producers need a new farm bill. The International Longshoremen’s Association ordered its members back to work after their three-day work stoppage while...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa dairy innovation grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the availability of Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, and welcomed grant applications for projects that will increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce farm labor costs, and expand the availability of Iowa...
Pork can be a nutritious meal solution for busy parents
Simple Feeders is one of the seven segments of the National Pork Board’s Consumer Connect in-depth research identified as a priority segment for growth potential. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition with the National Pork Board, said convenience is a...
Earth Optics & Pattern Ag merge to offer in-depth field analysis
In a time where we find the inputs of our crops putting a burden on the profits we get from them, we want to make sure we are getting the most out of every dollar we spend. If we are going to spend the money on soil tests and analysis, why not get more than just a...
