Top Stories
Demand is shifting for U.S. farmland
Farmland values have been resilient and even robust in past several years. However, those prices are entering a new phase as profit margins continue to change. Colton Lacina, the senior vice president of real estate operations for the Farmers National Company, said land values are seeing more influence from local factors. Lacina said the number of bidders for farmland has dwindled in recent years. Lacina added that, given the strength in livestock prices- especially for beef- it shouldn’t be a...
Horse owners need to have more horse sense about meds
While we don?t see horses doing the fieldwork like in the days of our older generations, they are still found on many farms across the Midwest. Known for their companionship and the joy they bring riders, they are also at the center of the collective attention of...
Data shows March was strong for pork exports
The recently released data from March?s pork exports is showing the best numbers so far for this year. In fact, it was just short of the record in March of 2021. This has been achieved with higher costs of pork products. This is no small hurdle to overcome, that is...
You’ve decided to do carbon-smart farming. Now what?
We have been discussing opportunities in conservation farming and carbon-smart practices for quite some time. Many farmers are looking at what their options are for this growing season and beyond. Some of you may be getting the ball rolling this year for the first...
2022 planting season weather preview
We all know that the weather is the single most important factor in a successful crop, but it?s also the most unpredictable. That?s been particularly true as of late, since it was seeming like Mother Nature just couldn?t make up her mind. However, it looks like she...
USDA has Foreign Animal Diseases high on their priorities
Iowa doesn?t need to be reminded about High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), they know the amount of damage it can cause and how much it has caused so far this year.Also being the top pork producing state, African Swine Fever (ASF) is high on our list of...
Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market opens for 2022
The kickoff to the 2022 season at the downtown Des Moines farmers market was this past Saturday. Des Moines, of course, is one of many farmers' markets that you can visit throughout the state of Iowa. But it's also one of the best-known ones across the state. Vendors...
Video
More Ag News
Feenstra previews upcoming ag legislation efforts
This year will be a very important one for agricultural legislation, and that?s not just when you consider the 2023 Farm Bill. With a new roster for the House Ag Committee, plenty of additional legislative efforts will also be taking place. Iowa 4th District...
Used farm machinery still a hot ticket item
Steffes Group is a nationally recognized leader in the auction industry and its booth at the Iowa Ag Expo in Des Moines was a hive of activity with farmers and landowners asking questions about farm equipment and land auctions.The IARN had a chance to speak with...
NPB study looks at ASF survivability in disposed carcasses
Starting back in 2020, the National Pork Board?s African swine fever working group was reviewing various on-farm preparedness efforts. ASF is a tough virus to get rid of, especially since pig carcasses can still transmit the virus if they aren't properly disposed of....
It?s not the EPA dragging its feet, it?s the White House
Yesterday, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) held its annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. It was a chance to talk about where the industry is, where it is heading, and the policies and challenges they will deal with in the coming year.One of the topics...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2023
USDA's Economic Research Service released the February Farm Income Forecast Tuesday. Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $136.9 billion in calendar year 2023, a decrease of $25.9 billion, or 15.9 percent, relative to 2022. After adjusting for...
