Top Stories
U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures. On-farm processing and direct-to-consumer sales are also drawing attention as farmers look to diversify income streams. USDA data show fertilizer, fuel and equipment costs remain elevated, while corn and soybean prices have...
S. Dakota Senator aims at SEC-proposed emission rule
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) is trying to impose a rule in which all companies that work through SEC trading have to have an emissions paper trail when it comes to their products. This means farmers would have to keep track of things like carbon and...
Soybean Checkoff leaders approve investments to increase demand
The farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board recently finished their summer board meeting in Michigan and approved a budget of $123 million for program work beginning in October. They set investments in research, education, and promotion to add value to U.S....
Iowa Farm Bureau sends group to D.C.
We all know that rural areas of the country make up a small percentage of the representation in Congress. Therefore, it is necessary to have Ag groups get in front of lawmakers to talk about the issues facing agriculture and help them understand how their policies are...
Severe weather brings damage, but also much-needed rains
In Iowa, we?re no stranger to severe weather and elevated temperatures that can bring damage and add stress to our crops. However, we also rely on those severe weather events to bring much of the rain for the crops. At this time of year, an important balance needs to...
Anuvia Future of Fertilizer Tour reaches Midwest
Anuvia Plant Nutrients Future of Fertilizer events are heading to the Midwest in August.Chief commercial officer of Anuvia Plant Nutrients, Hugh MacGillivray talks about the company offering growers new ways to provide nutrients to their crops. He says these events...
U.S. economy having biggest impact on fuel prices
If you have been to the pump recently, most of you know that fuel prices are finally starting to go down in some parts of the state. Which in turn, means oil prices have moderated over the past couple of weeks, allowing those fuel prices to flatten and even decrease...
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More Ag News
NK Soybeans are ready for different options in your growing season
The nature of growing our crops is always changing. While the fundamentals are the same, the techniques and the hybrids are always changing to maximize the production value of each acre. Because of this, you need to be ready for anything that you are facing in the...
Celebration of Ag Dinner celebrates 35th anniversary
Last month ended off with the Celebration of Ag Dinner in Cedar Rapids, where producers from all over eastern Iowa gathered in the name of agriculture. This year was a special one as well, since 2023 marks the 35th anniversary of the event. One of the original...
Senator Grassley in Iowa to hear farm bill priorities from farmers
United States Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) were in their home state of Iowa on Wednesday to host the ranking member of the senate ag committee Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and hear farmer?s priorities for the farm bill.Senator Grassley has been...
NPB names first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer
The National Pork Board has named Jamie Burr as the organization?s first Chief Sustainability Officer, holding a position to link between producers, supply chains partners, investors, and consumers. CEO Bill Even said Burr is no stranger to the industry, growing up on...
Injunction against WOTUS implementation granted for Iowa
Yesterday, The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota granted a preliminary injunction, stopping the Biden Administration?s new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule for Iowa and 23 other states.In its decision, the court cited terminology in...
