Top Stories
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? USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey provides the harvest progress numbers for corn and soybeans as of October 11th. Other crops throughout the country have seen a sizable progress in harvest. That was USDA Chief Meteorologist...
Earlier planted soybeans reshape waterhemp management
Earlier soybean planting has become increasingly common as growers look to extend the growing season and capture more yield potential. But that shift can also change the timing of one of the crop's biggest weed management challenges. BASF Technical Marketing Manager...
Secretary Rollins announces funding for new Seed Sovereignty Initiative
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Prairie City, Iowa, today to announce a $180 million investment into a new Seed Sovereignty Initiative, which aims to protect valuable plant genetics resources and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agriculture innovation. Rollins said...
Grassley discusses approval of off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment
Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road harvest activities. The action will provide some federal and state fuel tax relief for...
Propane supplies ready to handle heavy demand
Iowa farmers have finally been able to get in the field after several rain delays. Now that harvest is underway across most of the Corn Belt, propane suppliers are keeping a close eye on crop conditions and weather forecasts. Since this fall has been so wet, there may...
Diesel tax relief for Iowa farmers during busy harvest season
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement in response to President Trump and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road...
SCN management requires more than egg counts
Soybean cyst nematode management often starts with knowing what is present in a field, but BASF's Mike McCarville says growers should not let the process end with a soil sample and an egg count. McCarville says farmers need to take a more active approach to SCN...
Video
More Ag News
NPB launches advisory committees to strengthen producer input
One of the cornerstones of the National Pork Board (NPB) is focusing on producer priorities. Six producer-led advisory committees were established recently to align with NPB’s strategic plan. NPB CEO David Newman said the board is built by farmers, for farmers. Unlike...
Opening the playbook on soybean variety selection
Managing soybean cyst nematode can influence more than how farmers protect yield. The resistance needed to manage the pest can also affect which soybean varieties are available to match the other agronomic needs of an individual field. BASF is developing its...
Seed Sovereignty Initiative capitalizes on U.S. seed collection
Yesterday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $180 million investment into the new Seed Sovereignty Initiative. This provides much-needed support for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA...
Diesel tax relief is appreciated, but costs are still high
Earlier this week, President Trump made an executive order to temporarily allow tax-free dyed diesel to be used on highways and defer the federal diesel tax through the end of the year. While farm groups are welcoming any relief this move could provide, many say the...
Fall warmth kickstarts harvest in Iowa
After an abnormally wet September, drier conditions have returned to some of the key row crop growing regions of the country in October. USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the drier conditions are leading to a slow and steady return to harvest activity in...
