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Growing corn supplies increase need for demand
The food versus fuel debate has followed corn ethanol for decades. Critics argue that using corn for fuel removes it from the food supply. Corn growers counter that ethanol production also creates livestock feed, while increasing yields leave farmers searching for more uses for what they produce. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller says corn can provide food, fuel, fiber, and feed. Current production figures place the amount of distillers grains closer to 15 to 17 pounds from...
Southern Rust has been detected again in Iowa
Last year, Southern Rust made a late appearance in corn fields across Iowa and wreaked havoc on yields. Yesterday, Southern Rust was officially confirmed in a few Iowa counties, which is particularly alarming considering the similar timing to last year's problems....
Russia-Ukraine war driving price movement in grain markets
The wheat complex has featured significant price movement to the upside in recent days, and world events are driving most of the gains in the marketplace. That’s according to Jim McCormick, co-founder of AgMarket.net, who says that recent developments in the...
AFBF analyzes policy solutions for fertilizer challenges
The cost and availability of fertilizer are still relevant issues for many farmers this year. American Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discussed AFBF's new white paper aimed at addressing current volatility in the fertilizer market. The paper examined various...
Pork exports continue to build momentum
Strong global demand continues to boost U.S. pork exports, with both export value and volume running ahead of last year's pace. Through May, U.S. pork exports totaled $3.59 billion, up five percent, while export volume climbed five percent to 1.28 million metric tons....
Satellite technology gives farmers another perspective
Weather has always been one of agriculture's biggest wild cards, but today's farmers have more information than ever before to help them understand what is happening in their fields and around the world. Beyond the forecast on your phone or the rain gauge outside the...
Barn owls take the night shift to protect farms from rodents
Today, more farmers are taking advantage of barn owls for rodent control on their farms. Jennifer Ackerman, an ornithologist and author, discussed what makes barn owls so effective for pest management. She said that barn owls are excellent rodent hunters and a better...
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Iowa State Fair just two weeks away
With just two weeks until the Iowa State Fair opens, excitement is building for one of Iowa's signature summer traditions. As county fair season begins to wind down, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says those local fairs continue to connect Iowans with...
Map the Meal Gap study highlights growing presence of food insecurity
The latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America shows the harrowing impact of food insecurity in Iowa and across the country. In this year’s study, data shows that 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children face food insecurity. Additionally, the annual meal gap in...
GLP-1 trend fuels demand for U.S. dairy
Consumer demand is reshaping the dairy industry, introducing new market opportunities for versatile dairy producers. The biggest growth isn't coming from traditional products like cheese and butter. Instead, processors are investing heavily in high-protein milk,...
USDA reminds farmers of important deadlines
USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are approaching for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs, recover from disasters, and strengthen financial protection. The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for...
Extreme heat impacts the Midwest
Extreme heat has been impacting the western two-thirds of the United States in recent days as crops are in critical stages of growth. One example of the intense heat occurred recently in the badlands of South Dakota says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Although...
