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Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey said drought still covers nearly two-thirds of the United States, with some of the worst conditions stretching across the Plains, the South, and parts of the western U.S. Rippey, who...
A new way to buy seed, tailored to your operation
Just because something has been done the same way for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best way to perform that task. Sometimes an overhaul is needed and a new way of thinking or looking at a problem can deliver improved results. Christy Schrader is a...
Social security benefits to increase this year
Social Security benefits, which are critical for elderly rural residents, are going to increase by 3.2% this year. That averages out to about $59 more per month. However, AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said it’s a significantly lower increase than last...
USDA investing in biofuels
The USDA is awarding grants worth $19 million to American businesses to increase the availability of biofuels in 22 states and give Americans cleaner and more affordable options at gas station pumps. Blending ethanol into gasoline has helped reduce fuel costs by...
Corteva says don’t skimp on weed control in 2024
As we come out of 2023 and the varied weather we saw across the entire cornbelt, especially the drought we had in the west; we need to be prepared to protect our crops in 2024. Unless a miracle happens and the drought breaks quickly, we can expect our crops to start...
Merck helping producers mitigate bovine respiratory disease
One of the top diseases that cattle producers need to look out for is bovine respiratory disease (BRD). On top of the health risks BRD poses to the cattle, it also adds stress and limits their gains. Tim Parks, cattle technical services manager with Merck Animal...
Promotions showcase U.S. pork loin to consumers in Mexico
With one month of data still to be reported, U.S. pork exports to Mexico have already set an annual record for 2023. January-November exports to Mexico totaled more than 995,000 metric tons, up 13% year-over-year, while value was 15% higher at $2.12 billion. While...
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Sec Naig wraps up Dairy Month at Thelma’s
Last month was Dairy Month, and to finish off that celebration, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig (a known dairy connoisseur) visited Thelma’s in Des Moines to tour the facility and check out their famous ice cream sandwiches. Highlighting dairy isn’t just for the month of...
USDA releases proposed FMMO updates
The USDA held a 49-day Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing and listened to hundreds of hours of testimony, which resulted in reform proposals released this week. Roger Cryan, chief economist with the American Farm Bureau, said the changes have some positives. Cryan...
Grassley says Vilsack wrong on lowering farm bill expectations
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s call for the GOP to lower its farm bill expectations is “wrong.” During a conference call with ag broadcasters this week, Senator Grassley was asked about Ag Secretary Vilsack’s call for...
Mexico to drop plan to cut yellow corn imports
The incoming government in Mexico will discard a key goal of the previous administration to reduce yellow corn imports and achieve self-sufficiency in yellow corn production. Investing Dot Com says the incoming ag minister, Julio Berdegue, says Mexico will focus on...
Pork industry expanding story around the globe
It takes a lot of hard work to market our goods around the globe. American farmers have become so good at what they do to produce food to feed the world that we have more of it than we can consume. The global marketplace is a fickle thing because we aren't the only...
