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George Washington’s cherries reveal agricultural legacy
The story of George Washington and a cherry tree has long been part of American folklore. While historians have dismissed that tale as fiction, a recent discovery at Mount Vernon has revealed a very real connection between the nation's first president and the fruit he cultivated on his Virginia estate. During restoration work at Mount Vernon, archaeologists uncovered bottles of preserved cherries hidden within the mansion. The discovery quickly became more than a routine archaeological find....
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-22-24)
It’s still the rainy season down in South America, which is exactly what the farmers down there want to see. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the weather in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is still behind the average pace,...
FFA encouraging members to “Engage” at national convention
Over 70,000 students in blue corduroy jackets are at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this week. This year’s event starts on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and wraps up with the final session on Saturday, Oct. 26. Amara Jackson, who is serving out her...
Farm bill challenges not going away in 2025
Farm bill challenges will not go away in 2025 if Congress has to punt again on the top farming legislation. That is according to American Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs Joe Gilson who says that hurdles will remain. A lot will also depend on what the budget...
Biofuel groups welcome Supreme Court decision on SREs
The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy were pleased with a Supreme Court decision on Small Refinery Exemptions. They issued a joint statement saying the Fifth Circuit Court wasn’t the right venue to hear challenges on small refinery exemptions. “Because the...
John Deere updates its Ag training facility
When you work with sophisticated equipment, you need sophisticated training. As the precision agriculture industry has grown, the technology and tools need to be sold and serviced by people who are well-trained in the operation of these machines and can recommend the...
Pork industry using research to overcome trade barriers
Recently published research demonstrates how Pork Quality Assurance® Plus on-farm standards and partnerships between national pork organizations and USDA can overcome trade barriers specific to trichina. Courtney Knupp, vice president of international market...
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More Ag News
Egg and chicken production down in 2024
A new report from USDA sheds light on chicken and egg production in the U.S. last year. The USDA released its annual Chicken and Eggs Summary this week, which presents data on the number of egg layers, egg production, and the total U.S. chicken inventory as of...
A strong knowledge base is key to navigating a difficult economy
As the threat of potential tariffs looms, the economic outlook is uncertain. Many people are attempting to make financial plans that will hopefully help navigate market volatility. However, Matt Roberts, chief planning officer at Syverson Strege, said a disciplined...
Mild Iowa winter could lead to insect pressure
Despite the recent snowfall and extreme cold, the state of Iowa is in the midst of a relatively mild winter by Iowa’s standards. While day-to-day life is helped by mild winter weather, it can also have negative knock-on effects for the 2025 growing season. Adrienne...
Legislation would allow year-round E15 sale
Senators Chuck Grassley and Deb Fischer of Iowa, both Senate Ag Committee members, reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation is currently the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of E15, which would...
Farmers must understand macroeconomy to secure their future
For generations, farmers have focused on weather patterns, soil health, and market prices, but today, they realize that the broader macroeconomy plays a crucial role in their success. Interest rates, inflation, and global trade policies now shape everything from input...
