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South American Weather and Crop Update (12-16-25)
As the markets start to focus more on the weather in South America, farmers are just finishing planting the next crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there is a good amount of dryness in the forecast for Brazil. McBride said the conditions are similar in Argentina as well. However, McBride said the markets aren’t too worried about the effects of dry weather quite yet. McBride added that planting season is mostly finished up in both countries. The team at Allendale can be reached...
Getting the best deal possible as interest rate cuts remain elusive
To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023. As inflation has receded, expectations for rate cuts have not materialized. 2024 has been a difficult interest environment for farmers with rates steady and no...
USDA funds to support farmworkers
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000...
Spring rains have been more of a blessing than a curse
This spring has given Iowa an interesting start to the 2024 growing season. On the one hand, we know that the rains slowed down planting progress, but we also needed the rains to replenish the drought-stricken soils and give our crops a fighting chance to have a less...
USDA aids Landus in opening new fertilizer production facility
Yesterday marked the ribbon cutting of Landus’ brand new 75,000-square-foot Fertilizer Production and Distribution Facility in Boone. The facility, which costs nearly $15 million, will produce sustainable, slow-release fertilizer products to bring environmentally and...
One Health approach protects humans, pigs, and the environment
The One Health approach is vital in meeting the growing market demand for pork. As consumers become more conscientious about the food they consume, there is a heightened focus on food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Dr. Heather Fowler,...
NPPC continues to work towards solutions for farm labor
As rural populations continue to decline in rural America, labor issues have become a hurdle for the agriculture industry. With many rural counties losing population to urban centers, the number of available workers for agricultural jobs has also declined. As an...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (10-3-24)
This is the time of year where we expect export sales to surge, and this week’s report has shown exactly that. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Even though those sales indicate that the USDA doesn’t need to...
Harvest corn early to increase yields and profits
With harvest underway, a key decision is how long to let corn dry in the field. Greg Trame, regional sales director for GSI, said recent research demonstrated that harvesting early can help farmers maximize their yield and return on investment. Trame said a recent...
Grassley says he can’t accept pre-conferenced lame duck farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says he and others can’t accept a ‘slap-dab’ farm bill in a lame-duck session, while another has called for a long-term extension and short-term relief amid a bleak farm economy. Iowa GOP Senator Chuck Grassley says a...
EPA finalizes rule on pesticide exclusion zones
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard. The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are...
NICC is preparing students for the future of agriculture & dairy
Farming is an industry that survives via succession. The participation of multiple generations is what is needed to keep a farm operating for years to come. Beyond the farm, there are so many Ag-related fields that offer support to farming operations each day. Ag...
