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Is Ag in a recession? It depends on who you ask
We talked earlier in the week about the October Rural Mainstreet Index numbers being less than stellar. But what does that mean for the Ag industry? It all depends on who you ask. Most economists agree that things are slower and more sideways than in recent years, and you don’t need an advanced degree in economics to see that. Farmers and rural towns feel the pinch as the prices go lower. So, how bad is it, really? Creighton University Professor Dr. Ernie Goss says it all depends on which...
September WASDE makes changes to corn ending stocks and yields
This month’s WASDE report comes to us as many farmers are preparing to enter the fields very soon- in fact, some have even been able to start already. As a result, not many changes have been made to the crop numbers since the USDA seems to have gotten a pretty good...
What will it take to pass a farm bill?
With the current partisan stalemate in Congress in Washington D.C. it is going to be difficult to get a new farm bill passed. That’s according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. On Monday Ag Secretary Vilsack told a group of visiting farmers union members that...
Beef industry still pursuing market access overseas
U.S. agricultural groups are looking for more trade agreements that mean market access overseas. Kent Bacus, executive director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said trade was a bigger priority in past years. Bacus said the...
2024 Iowa watershed award winners
Congrats to the 2024 Iowa Watershed Award winners An outstanding southwest Iowa watershed coordinator, a career schoolteacher (and part-time farmer), and a statewide team of oxbow restorers - all featured among this year's Iowa Watershed Award honorees. The Iowa...
Make sure your combine is properly prepped for fall
We have seen the first combines entering fields in Iowa for some early planted soybeans. That means it won’t be long before we start harvesting in earnest. There is still time to prepare your combine for the harvest season. The last thing you want is to break down in...
Investing in the future of farming
Farmers are the backbone of America. Without them, we wouldn’t have the food to sustain our society. But even with how important that job is, farmers can have a hard time with the finances of running a successful operation. Ben Gordon, founder and CEO of Fractal, said...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (9-24-24)
The weather is still dry in South America, but relief could be coming soon. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current conditions in Brazil and Argentina. The longer-term forecast does show some monsoon rains finally returning to Brazil....
Protecting pigs and people from the flu
The industry has managed different strains of influenza for a long time, specifically H3N2 and H1N1. Influenza A (H5N1) is not in the U.S. swine herd, although it has been recently detected in livestock and humans. Dr. Heather Fowler, director of producer and public...
Grassley discusses likelihood of assistance in place of no new farm bill
As ag groups continue to rally in a push for a new five-year farm bill, the situation continues to get more complicated with time running out. This week Congress passed a stop gap funding bill which did not include any temporary farm aid. United States Senator Chuck...
New cover crop payment program online database from IAWA
The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance built an online tool to browse, filter, and compare cover crop payment programs all in one place. It allows you - farmers, landowners, and conservation professionals - to narrow down options and pick the best program for your...
IRFA offering biodiesel rebate for farmers
As harvest begins to ramp up, there are many things you have to think about as you keep the operation moving. With all the trucks, tractors, and combines that are moving around, one input links them all together: fuel. Diesel fuel is a hot commodity right now as farms...