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Corn farmers looking out for tar spot and southern rust in 2026
Iowa farmers are always on the lookout for disease issues, but there are two diseases from 2025 that have farmers the most alert: tar spot and southern rust. Last year, these two diseases popped up in unexpected areas around the country, causing some of the highest damaging disease pressure on record. Unfortunately, many farmers were caught off guard by how quickly conditions favored infection and spread for tar spot and southern rust. Kim Tutor, technical marketing manager for corn and wheat...
Despite bullish July WASDE, market expectations should be tempered
It seems like we only get one or two friendly USDA reports to talk about every year, and the July WASDE report was one of them. However, it’s not as bullish as it might initially seem, so expectations for the long term need to be tempered. Allendale commodity broker...
Sun powered sustainability taking shape at Chevron REG in Mason City
Chevron Renewable Energy Group is introducing an enhancement at its Mason City biodiesel production facility that includes the installation of a solar array. The project kicked off with a groundbreaking event at the site that included local leaders and project...
Secretary Naig anticipates record year for water quality wetlands in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship anticipates a record calendar year for progress toward the construction of Department-sponsored water quality wetlands within Iowa. Over the past few...
Outlook for fall 2024 fertilizer shipments
While we just passed the 4th of July a week ago, it is not unreasonable to think about the supplies you will need for and after the fall harvest. One of the biggest inputs that will be thought about is the fall fertilizer and its availability. In the past, we saw some...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-11-24)
We’re still seeing the same numbers for corn and soybean exports. Corn is looking good, while soybeans continue to struggle. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Yesterday also saw China making its first purchase of new crop...
AFBF launches Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence
The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking applicants for the new Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence, sponsored by Farm Credit. Logan Yearsley, director of member engagement for Farm Bureau, said this award recognizes those who have served our country and the ag...
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USDA is increasing support of local foods for food banks
The holidays are now officially underway as we celebrate Thanksgiving today. During this time it is customary to have large gatherings of family and friends and feast upon the bounty of the county, as it were. But for some, just making it to their next meal is a...
AMVAC prepared to replace dicamba in 2025
Among the weeds that farmers can deal with, grasses can be tough to manage. New this year to AMVAC’s lineup is Zalo Herbicide, which specializes in taking care of those weeds. Wen Carter, marketing manager with AMVAC, said Zalo can enhance a glufosinate-based program....
Early harvest helping producers enjoy the fall season
With cooperative weather throughout much of the fall, harvest moved quickly and efficiently for most producers in 2024. It’s also allowing producers some much needed time for rest and relaxation at the end of one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. That is...
Pork exports to Dominican Republic surging
U.S. pork exports to the Dominican Republic could reach a record high as African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks continue across the country. Researchers are expecting “increased export opportunities” for U.S. pork and pork products to the Caribbean nation, according to...
Thanksgiving table is made possible by America’s farmers
As Americans gather around the Thanksgiving holiday table, it’s important to remember that many of the items we enjoy are grown right here in the U.S. Betty Resnick, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said specialty crops play a key role in the...
