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Knowing when to keep or replace alfalfa
Dry conditions in some parts of the country during the growing season have taken a toll on alfalfa production, leaving affected farmers wondering whether their stands will survive the winter or if it's time to rotate those fields into another crop. However, reduced yields don't necessarily mean an alfalfa stand has suffered permanent damage. Randy Welch, national alfalfa agronomist with CROPLAN, says alfalfa is naturally equipped to withstand extended periods of dry weather. He explains that...
Adjuvants can help to maximize every spray application
When applying herbicide, fungicide, or insecticide it makes sense that farmers want those products to work as effectively as possible. One of the ways in which those products are better applied and reach their full potential is by using adjuvants. Austin Anderson is a...
Rain has been good for crops, but too much rain can cause issues
Storms from last night dumped a considerable amount of rain across central and eastern Iowa, which feeds into the trends we’ve seen for the crops this year. While western Iowa has been drier than the rest of the state, Kurt Maertens of BASF says there’s not too much...
Credit trends can say a lot about the farm economy
USDA estimates that farmers will spend more money on interest payments in 2026, after adjusting for inflation, than at any other time on record. Credit is an essential part of agriculture, helping farmers manage costs and invest in their operations. As borrowing costs...
ASA welcomes 45Z updates supporting U.S. soybean farmers, biofuels
The American Soybean Association welcomed actions this week from the U.S. Department of Energy and Internal Revenue Service that provide greater clarity and usability for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, an important tool for supporting domestic biofuel...
UPL takes aim at resistant waterhemp
Herbicide resistance continues to complicate weed control decisions for growers, particularly when it comes to waterhemp and other amaranth species. At the 2026 Farm Progress Show, UPL highlighted several herbicide options the company says can provide additional...
Trump orders changes to support ranchers, increase beef market competition
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders Friday aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, increasing competition and expanding opportunities for ranchers and smaller meat processors. USDA said one order directs stronger enforcement of the Packers and...
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Soybean checkoff turns research into new demand
Soybeans are most commonly associated with food, livestock feed, and renewable fuels, but a growing share of soybean research is looking at what the crop can do beyond those traditional markets. From tires and lubricants to firefighting foam, industrial uses are...
Propane can be used for more than just grain drying
Many farmers primarily use propane in grain drying equipment, but with the ever-rising prices of fuel and energy, propane can offer a more affordable power option. Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at the Propane Education and Research...
Weather systems and precipitation slowing early harvest efforts
As farmers are beginning to harvest in Iowa, they are encountering some slowdowns with a widespread weather system delivering rain to the Midwest. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that a moisture laden weather system is making its way across the country this week....
Pork producers advocating for industry priorities on Capitol Hill
The National Pork Producers Council has brought nearly 100 pig farmers from about 20 states to Capitol Hill for the Legislative Action Conference this week. NPPC Vice President Todd Marotz said they are meeting face-to-face with lawmakers and sharing the story of an...
Secretary Naig announces 125 schools receive Choose Iowa local food for schools grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that 125 Iowa public and private schools will receive funding through the Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program to purchase Iowa grown and raised food. Each participating school will receive approximately...
