Top Stories
Federal Reserve is concerned about the Iran war’s impact on commodity markets
The war with Iran is causing upheaval in the commodity markets. The early volatility has seen an increase in the price of corn and soybeans, but it has also included sharp setbacks. Even more concerning is the risk presented to U.S. farmers and consumers as the conflict in the Middle East drives energy and fertilizer prices higher. During his press conference on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the impact is concerning. While oil price spikes immediately drove up headline...
Secretary Naig announces leadership team for second term
DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 5, 2023) ? Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced employees who will serve in leadership positions at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The announcement comes as Naig begins his second term as...
Feenstra working to bring cutting-edge technology to the farm
Agriculture is much more closely intertwined with technology than many people think. In fact, the industry is often making an effort to be on the cutting edge of modern technology. Unfortunately, agriculture?s relation to modern technology is sometimes overlooked....
Xitavo soybeans offer many advantages for growers
Choosing which seed to plant is one of the most important decisions a farmer makes every year. Xitavo is a fairly young line of soybeans, but it?s already proven to be a top-of-the-line product. Doug Little, BASF soybean seed manager, said Xitavo soybeans have had a...
Growing the ground pork market by studying consumer shopping trends
The National Pork Board is using Pork Checkoff funds to try and persuade consumers to opt for a different ground meat at the grocery store.The National Pork Board initially partnered with Michigan-based grocer Meijer grocery store, and was able to open a new avenue...
Precipitation gap looks to continue for start of 2023
The last few years have been the story of the ?have?s and the have not?s.? This was on full display right in our own state of Iowa. The northeastern part of the state received the rains they needed, while other parts of the state didn?t get much if any at all. The...
USDA announces conservation stewardship program
The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program applications to be considered for funding this year in Iowa is March 17, 2023.Iowa has the same application cutoff for the three primary programs (CSP, EQIP and RCPP). Program applications are continuously...
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More Ag News
Precision ag upgrades provide latest technology to growers
Precision ag upgrades from John Deere allow a farmer to upgrade their existing farm equipment without needing to buy a completely new ag implement or piece of equipment. That’s Yancy Wright with John Deere who says that retrofit technology can be outfitted seamlessly...
Margin Protection offers safety net for farmers
Farming is an inherently risky business, and, unfortunately, it sometimes feels like there’s nothing you can control. However, that makes it even more important to take the reins for things you actually can control. Doug Burns, regional vice president of insurance...
Excessive heat lowers crop condition ratings
A six percent drop in the primary crop condition rating across the state according to the USDA’s latest numbers. Weekly crop condition ratings are out from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Upper Midwest Regional Office. Agricultural Statistician Brian...
Gas lower, diesel higher, ahead of Labor Day Weekend
For the first time in over a month, the nation's average price of gasoline declined, falling 4.0 cents from a week ago to $3.78 per gallon. The national average is up 5.8 cents from a month ago but 3.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average...
Generating more sustainable soy for the future of farming
Sustainability practices are some of the biggest things we are discussing in agriculture right now. We are constantly looking at ways to do better work on protecting our soil, air, and water. Farmers are embracing new ways to do better and make sure that they are...
