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Naig highlights bipartisan wins for Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session with several agriculture-related priorities crossing the finish line, including the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act and a major water quality and infrastructure funding package. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said the Farm Act marked the first time Iowa approved a broad package of comprehensive agriculture legislation addressing multiple industry concerns at once. The legislation includes provisions aimed at improving Iowa’s ability to respond to...
Slow start to planting could make for an interesting May WASDE
Friday’s upcoming WASDE report is an important one, as it is the first report after the start of planting season. While the beginning of planting season has been slow, analysts are unsure of whether or not any changes will be made by the USDA. Ross Baldwin of...
Interest rates and low prices are still squeezing farmers
Rabobank’s RaboResearch team released its bimonthly North American Agribusiness Review. The report analyzes market conditions and trends in North American agriculture. Roland Fumasi, North American Regional Head of RaboResearch, said interest rates are still squeezing...
Grassley says Congress still not close to agreeing on farm bill framework
Despite apparent progress towards continuing work on the farm bill, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) does not think that Congress is any closer to finding agreement on the framework of a new bill. Instead, both sides appear still entrenched in their...
Secretary Naig announces increased cover crop cost-share incentives
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is offering increased cost-share incentives for cover crop planting through the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI). The popular annual cost-share...
National Milk Producers Federation talks H5N1 security
Whether you call it H5N1, HPAI, or Bird Flu; the fact of the matter remains that we have an issue on our hands that is testing the resolve of our animal disease contingency plans on a minor level. We talked for years about “what if?”, and we were presented with that...
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-7-24)
Much like it is up here, rain is causing issues down in South America. Southern Brazil is getting especially heavy rains, which could start damaging the crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather. McBride said planting progress...
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Lame duck session seen as last chance to save farm bill
The legislation that would set food and farm policy for the next five years is in limbo, waiting for lawmakers to decide its fate after the election. The latest deadline for the Farm Bill passed unceremoniously at midnight on Sept. 30, without a push from lawmakers to...
2025 Farmer’s Almanac has something for everyone
We have seen it on shelves in various stores for years. The Farmer’s Almanac has a devoted following of people who read it and take its information to heart. Many believe that the information contained is the best estimate of what we can expect throughout the year. It...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-3-24)
This is the time of year where we expect export sales to surge, and this week’s report has shown exactly that. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Even though those sales indicate that the USDA doesn’t need to...
Harvest corn early to increase yields and profits
With harvest underway, a key decision is how long to let corn dry in the field. Greg Trame, regional sales director for GSI, said recent research demonstrated that harvesting early can help farmers maximize their yield and return on investment. Trame said a recent...
Grassley says he can’t accept pre-conferenced lame duck farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says he and others can’t accept a ‘slap-dab’ farm bill in a lame-duck session, while another has called for a long-term extension and short-term relief amid a bleak farm economy. Iowa GOP Senator Chuck Grassley says a...
