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Ag Economy Barometer survey findings on farmer financial assistance intentions
The recent farmer bridge payment announcement from the White House and USDA is a welcome relief for farmers. Although the payments are not a permanent fix to any of the financial problems farmers face, they do help to provide assistance during the trade war with China. The November Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer contained an interesting question about financial assistance for farmers and what they would do with the funds to help their operations. James Mintert, a professor...
May WASDE includes an initial U.S. crop assessment
The May World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates report includes USDA’s first assessment of domestic and international supply and demand prospects. The 2024-2025 U.S. corn outlook calls for larger supplies, greater domestic use and exports, and higher ending stocks. The...
Growth Energy CEO Skor gives Ethanol policy update
The news around the ethanol industry has been hopping for the past months. Whether it has been the EPA finally granting eight midwestern states to sell E15 year-round starting in 2025, yet another E15 emergency waiver, or the discussions over Sustainable Aviation Fuel...
New breakthrough in the battle against corn tar spot
This week Bayer Crop Science announced a new breakthrough in the battle against tar spot. Bayer researchers have developed a method to artificially inoculate tar spot in Bayer field test plots. This will give Bayer Crop Science a leg up in better understanding tar...
Governor signs bill to increase critical renewable fuel infrastructure funds
The Iowa Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Soybean Association commended Governor Kim Reynolds and the state legislature for their decisive action in boosting funding for renewable fuels infrastructure. Reynolds signed legislation today that marks another significant step...
May WASDE still conservative with changes to crops
While the markets reacted positively, the May WASDE report wasn’t exactly bullish. In the case of corn, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the numbers just weren't bearish. McBride said things were more obviously bearish on the soybean side of the report....
With rain delays, farmers considering delayed planting and replanting
With few workable planting days due to the rain, farmers are considering what they might have to do to make sure the crop gets planted and still performs well. This could include strategies like delayed planting or even replanting. Nate Meyer, southwest Iowa field...
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Secretary Naig announces availability of pesticide applicator testing options
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering in-person and online pesticide applicator testing options for commercial and private applicators this fall. The Department encourages...
SW Iowa crops still looking great heading into harvest
There’s not much time left until harvest season will be upon us in Iowa, and the crops in the southwest part of the state are still looking great. SW Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s expecting a bumper crop for both corn and soybeans this year. Meyer said...
Financial benefits of climate-smart commodities
Approximately 13,000 American farms participate in the climate-smart commodity initiative, which covers about eight million acres of land. Ag Secretary Tom talked about the appeal of the initiative and said he expects those participation numbers to continue growing....
A drop in soybean condition ratings
USDA is reporting a drop in condition ratings for soybeans and a possible frost in parts of the Upper Midwest. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. There was no change to the corn condition rating this week with the number remaining at 65% good to excellent....
Koch completes $3.6 billion purchase of Iowa Fertilizer Co.
Koch Ag & Energy Solutions successfully purchased OCI Global’s fertilizer plant in Wever, Iowa, for $3.6 billion. After announcing the pending sale last year, the finished transaction gives Koch access to a state-of-the-art facility and its related businesses. The...
