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Tracking the price movement in the cattle complex this week
It was a week of ups and downs in the ag marketplace for cattle this week. Two headline stories sent prices down midweek before a recovery on Friday to end the week. Joe Camp of Commstock Investments tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network about one of the news stories that put pressure on the cattle complex this week. Another bearish headline originated out of Colorado says Camp. Following the losses earlier in the week, cattle recovered some on Friday with upward price movement. February...
An effective burndown helps get the soybean season started right
As growers are planting no-till and strip-till soybeans, they are focused on getting the crop off to a fast start. Controlling winter weeds and planting as early as conditions allow can go a long way towards a quality start to the growing season. Mike Probst,...
Tickets on sale for BBQ & Brew at the ballpark
(Clive, Iowa) - Tickets are on sale for the second annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark. The event takes place on Saturday, June 22 at Principal Park in Des Moines from 2-7 p.m. Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the Iowa Cubs, this fun afternoon...
La Nina returns this summer after brief El Nino
After a few years in a solid La Nina weather pattern, this winter saw a strong El Nino. However, that didn’t last long, as we are already back to ENSO-neutral, which will then lead to La Nina again this summer. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
Keep mental health in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and...
Grassley urges better data reporting on avian influenza in dairy cows
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) responded on Thursday to a Washington Post story critical of bird flu testing in dairy cows and the sharing of results. Grassley says that the logistics of mandating more testing in millions of cows would be difficult....
USDA requires H5N1 testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday mandated testing for H5N1 of dairy cattle that cross state lines. The move is to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of avian influenza. Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative...
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More Ag News
GHX system offers Iowa farmers a year-round seed company partnership
In the past, it seemed like once we got our seeds, our interaction with our dealers was over until it was time to order next year’s seeds. Nowadays, each season is a full year or more from planning to harvest. Seed companies are often the ones providing us with crop...
Secretary Naig announces availability of pesticide applicator testing options
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering in-person and online pesticide applicator testing options for commercial and private applicators this fall. The Department encourages...
SW Iowa crops still looking great heading into harvest
There’s not much time left until harvest season will be upon us in Iowa, and the crops in the southwest part of the state are still looking great. SW Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s expecting a bumper crop for both corn and soybeans this year. Meyer said...
Financial benefits of climate-smart commodities
Approximately 13,000 American farms participate in the climate-smart commodity initiative, which covers about eight million acres of land. Ag Secretary Tom talked about the appeal of the initiative and said he expects those participation numbers to continue growing....
A drop in soybean condition ratings
USDA is reporting a drop in condition ratings for soybeans and a possible frost in parts of the Upper Midwest. That is USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. There was no change to the corn condition rating this week with the number remaining at 65% good to excellent....
