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Farmers reaching limits of fertilizer efficiency
Farmers are being asked to do more with less, especially with fertilizer. With input costs remaining a concern and profit margins already stretched thin, producers are looking for every possible way to save money. But there is a limit to how much you can cut before those savings start affecting production. It's like wringing out a dish rag. Eventually, you cannot squeeze another drop from it, yet you're still expected to keep washing with a rag you cannot re-wet. That is the challenge facing...
NFU welcomes federal inquiry into ag equipment market
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is welcoming a new USDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiry into competition concerns in the agricultural equipment market. NFU President Rob Larew said farmers have been raising concerns about consolidation and limited...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-14-26)
As harvest continues in the United States, farmers in Brazil and Argentina are planting for the next crop season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. McBride said planting progress in Brazil is...
Soybean checkoff looks ahead after 35 years
With tight margins continuing to squeeze farm budgets, soybean producers are scrutinizing every dollar they spend. That includes their investments in the soybean checkoff, which has spent the past 35 years developing markets and creating additional demand for American...
Harvest pace per USDA Mid-October progress report
Despite the slower than usual pace of harvest for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt, including Iowa, other regions of the country have made substantial progress. How are major row crops coming along with their harvest progress as October approaches its midway point?...
EPA Proposes restoring biofuel volumes exempted from refinery requirements
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday a proposal to restore renewable fuel blending requirements affected by additional small refinery exemptions, a move intended to protect demand for American corn and soybeans. The EPA said exemptions granted for 2025...
John Deere Foundation announces $18.5 million investment in food bank system
Today, the John Deere Foundation announced an $18.5 million multi-year Farm-to-Plate strategy to address food insecurity in the Midwest. The investment will support Feeding America partner food banks, recover farm-grown food, and connect over one hundred Iowa farmers...
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Soybean checkoff partnerships drive new market opportunities
The uses for American soybeans have expanded well beyond traditional food and livestock feed markets. From renewable fuels and building materials to everyday products, soybeans are finding their way into an increasing number of applications. Developing those markets,...
Strong winds could damage weakened Iowa crops
Rain in central Iowa has provided more delays for farmers, and now the risk of strong winds could put some fields at risk of significant damage. Landus Cooperative Technical Agronomist Dan Bjorklund gave an update on the latest Iowa crop conditions as harvest season...
Russia-Ukraine war pushing oil prices higher again
Oil prices moved higher at the start of the week, driven primarily by ongoing attacks between Russia and Ukraine. While oil prices inched higher, Patrick DeHaan with Gasbuddy.com noted that fuel prices were more mixed. California currently has the highest national...
Wasted Grain named Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin
Wasted Grain in Carroll serves Iowa's best breaded pork tenderloin this year, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The restaurant rose to the top of 464 restaurants nominated by Iowans this spring, then beat four other finalists to win IPPA’s 2026...
Record U.S. soybean production means more exports
USDA’s recent record soybean forecast will lead to more soybean exports, according to World Ag Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski. Increased soybean exports from the United States will help to fill the gap globally for declines in production elsewhere says...
