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Secretary Naig announces 108 renewable fuels infrastructure projects to expand access to E15, biodiesel in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 108 projects during their quarterly meeting on Dec. 17 to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects across the state. The approved projects are in 46 counties and represent nearly $4.59 million in total requests, including $3,987,039.12 for 93 ethanol-related projects and $600,142.66 for 15 biodiesel-related projects. These cost-share investments...
Overcoming trade barriers to expand U.S. beef trade
U.S. Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip told the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the group’s CattleCon 24 that doing away with non-tariff trade barriers means that face-to-face talks need to happen with some of the U.S.' biggest trading partners. McKalip...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-9-24)
A lot of the buzz yesterday was focused on the February WASDE, but we saw the release of the weekly export sales as well. Now, the report didn’t contain any real market movers, but it’s still important to keep an eye on the export situation. Allendale commodity broker...
Farmers encouraged to attend Iowa Farm Bureau’s conference
Beginning farmers know the substantial initial investment it takes to farm, and those who currently farm are facing a projected 25% cut in their net farm income compared to last year. These situations have prompted interest in niche opportunities that require less...
Net farm income forecasted to see a record-setting decrease in 2024
The Economic Research Service forecasts that farm income will decrease by 25 percent in 2024. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it’s the largest year-to-year dollar decrease in net farm income on record. Munch said there are two...
Be mindful of mycotoxin risks in feed grains
After the weather challenges we saw during the 2023 growing season, we need to be vigilant about the quality of the grain we feed our livestock. Different weather patterns bring different risks. The folks at Alltech have completed their analysis of the 2023 harvest...
Market reactions didn’t match February WASDE numbers
Today’s WASDE report was very bearish, particularly in the soybean markets, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at how the market prices closed. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride detailed the numbers from this month’s report. Those numbers would normally...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (6-25-24)
The weather in South America still has not changed much, but at the very least it has been predictable at this point. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current and upcoming conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said that weather...
With wet soils, keep an eye out for nitrogen loss
Recent heavy rainfall not only delayed planting in many areas, but it’s also causing concern about soils becoming susceptible to nitrogen loss. Dr. Clayton Nevins, senior agronomic scientist for Pivot Bio, says this spring is a big change from last year. Dr. Nevins...
Prioritizing water quality to raise healthy pigs
In the swine industry producers are well versed in what it takes to raise healthy pigs sustainably. However, one of the areas of raising hogs that can get overlooked is water quality. Water quality issues are often addressed only after they have become an issue....
Secretary Naig provides update on HPAI response measures in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today provided an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) state response measures, including announcing new testing requirements for dairy cattle participating in Iowa fairs and exhibitions. He also reiterated his...
Devastating flash floods hitting northern Iowa & southern Minnesota
It is hard to believe that areas of the country that were in historical droughts just a few months ago are now having everything washed away with historical flooding. Over the past few days and weeks, heavy rains have been pounding ground that has already become...
