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Adjustments to the soybean balance sheets in USDA April WASDE report
The monthly WASDE reports from USDA provide a snapshot of the current state of U.S. and World Soybean Supply and Demand Estimates. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski notes the changes to the U.S. domestic use numbers in the April WASDE report. The season ending average price for beans was adjusted 10 cents higher than March with the price now at $10.30 per bushel. Jekanowski also provides updates to world soybean production supply and use. Jekanowski details some of the...
Secretary Naig extends popular cattle and conservation working lands project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced a three-year extension of the popular, farmer-led Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Project. The extension renews program agreements in Taylor, Page, Carroll, Cherokee, Guthrie, and Ida counties through...
Cutting input costs key for Iowa farmers
As farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, managing input costs remains a top priority. With tighter margins across much of agriculture, many producers are looking for ways to improve efficiency while still protecting yield potential. Shane Brockhoff, who works...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-3-26)
As harvest wraps up in Brazil for the soybean crop, the safrinha corn crop is being planted right behind it. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the weather forecast looks good for both processes to continue smoothly. While progress is behind the usual pace,...
Many farmers have already signed up for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
Several overdue changes are now happening for antiquated systems that farmers have relied on for many years. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Programs Richard Fordyce talked about a new “One Farmer, One File” initiative at the agency. The USDA...
Iran conflict strengthens ethanol industry case for year-round E15 legislation
The ethanol industry now has another argument for Congress to enact legislation for year-round E15 sales as the Iran-Middle East conflict erupted last weekend. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says that with oil and gas prices on the rise due to the...
HPAI detected in a multi-species backyard flock in Washington County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in...
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Early weed control key for Iowa Crop yields
As farmers prepare for the 2026 growing season, tight margins and lower commodity prices are forcing growers to carefully evaluate every input decision. Weed control remains one of the most important investments early in the season, particularly during the first...
Minor changes to South America production in March WASDE
In the March WASDE report, the USDA made some adjustments to the South American crop estimates. The changes were mostly offsetting, so overall production has not seen much of a change. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said they are waiting for the CONAB...
AFBF President offers solutions to Senate Ag Committee
As farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with a difficult farm economy, the Senate Agriculture Committee recently held a hearing to discuss solutions. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was one of the experts to present testimony before the...
Cattle industry hopeful for expanding trade opportunities overseas
With the current administration in Washington D.C. attempting to rework more favorable trade with international partners, producers have had to show patience. In some cases, they have had to endure short term pain in hopes of long-term gain. Kent Bacus, the executive...
Specialty crop payment rates due in April
The USDA has already allocated over $6 billion in payments under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Programs. Payment rates for specialty crops under the program are due in early April. “I believe we’ll have those payment rates in place by early next month,” Deputy Ag...
