Top Stories
Ernst talks fertilizer costs, trade, and supply chains
Fertilizer supplies and pricing continue to be a major concern for farmers as global tensions and trade uncertainty influence the ag economy heading towards the second half of the growing season. While many producers were able to secure products ahead of spring planting, questions are already beginning to build about fertilizer availability and pricing for fall application and the 2027 crop year. I spoke with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst about those concerns, including domestic fertilizer...
Extended-release cattle dewormer can maximize ROI
The well-known benefits of deworming cattle include improved reproduction, higher daily gains, and heavier calves at weaning. However, using an extended-release dewormer can be a game changer that gives the greatest return on investment. Dr. Jody Wade, a professional...
Grocery prices high, further increases possible
Grocery prices, for the most part, remain high and according to the American Farm Bureau the price increases could continue. Grocery store prices have not been kind to consumer’s pocketbooks recently and AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson says that input costs and general...
Record $3.4 million in biofuels grants will expand E15 availability
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 74 project applications totaling more than $3.4 million in cost-share funding for Iowa fuel retailers during its quarterly board meeting last week. 73 ethanol cost-share projects were awarded, an...
USDA adds funding for specialty crop producers
As consumers, we rely on having a strong supply of vegetables, fruits, and other products to serve on our tables. However, for some producers, the challenges of getting their goods in front of consumers can be daunting. It takes financial backing to get the companies...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-6-24)
Concerns about long-term dry weather still remain in South America, but, for the time being, there are some nice rains passing over right now. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. McBride said that harvest is still...
Low cattle inventory brings higher beef prices
USDA’s biannual Cattle Inventory report showed the nation’s cattle herd at 87.2 million head, down roughly two percent from last year. This is the lowest herd size in 73 years, and it means that we could be seeing record beef prices in the grocery store soon. American...
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More Ag News
Navigating the biological marketplace
Biologicals are among the many new tools farmers can use on their farms. But with any new products, it’s important to make sure you’re getting something of a high quality that will provide the maximum benefit for your farm. Jacob Parnell, head agronomist at Biome...
Real Pork Trust Consortium brings information to consumers
The Real Pork Trust Consortium is a team of academia striving to listen to and answer consumer questions about pork and pork production. Nick Gabler, an animal science professor at Iowa State University, talked about the Real Pork Consortium and what it addresses. The...
Cattle on feed report offers no clear answers on herd contraction
Overall numbers of beef cattle in the United States remain historically low. The USDA published the latest Cattle on Feed report on Friday but the report did not clear up the future of the cattle herd. The latest Cattle on Feed report from USDA shows that placements...
Low prices continue pressure on farm income
Farmers are on track to harvest some of their biggest corn and soybean crops ever. The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book says the ongoing decline in commodity prices is putting farm income in questionable territory. “Regional Fed banks in Chicago and Minneapolis say the...
Managing stressors for dairy calves
Any livestock producer knows herd health doesn’t begin or end with the germs and bacteria causing illnesses. It is about creating an environment that manages your animal’s overall well-being. Just like humans, stressors can affect an animal's health, and minimizing...
