Top Stories
Creating success in the soy industry by driving demand
It’s been a challenging year financially for many farmers, especially on the soybean side of things. Tariffs, trade deals, and swinging market prices have all added a significant amount of stress. The United Soybean Board (USB) says driving demand will be the key to creating success in the soybean industry. USB Chair Philip Good said increasing the soybean supply is important as well, but their primary focus heading into 2026 is increasing domestic and global demand. On the domestic side, Good...
Applications open for $2,500 renewable Iowa Farm Bureau scholarship
High school students who plan to pursue an agricultural major or minor after their 2024 graduation are encouraged to apply for Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s $2,500 scholarship. Awarded to 27 students, this scholarship is renewable for four years, up to $10,000. “The...
Midwest Dairy promoting milk sales at Dollar General stores
Midwest Dairy and Dollar General have joined together for a new promotional effort to increase demand for dairy products and build trust with consumers. Martha Kemper, vice president of dairy experience with Midwest Dairy, said the partnership is a unique and exciting...
Increased borrowing for land purchases expected in 2024
It is often said that farmers are “asset-rich and cash poor.” Nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to land. It is the most important asset that a farmer has. Without land, nothing else can be accomplished, whether it is grain or livestock production. It is...
Like humans, cattle perform best with low stress
Cattle are very similar to humans in some regards- they prefer having a set routine, and they are much less productive when they are stressed. And especially when it comes to cattle production, several simultaneous stressors can have an exponentially worse effect on...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-12-23)
Last week’s WASDE saw cuts to Brazil’s production and no changes to Argentina, and the nearby forecasts back up those decisions. Argentina is getting plenty of rain, but key areas of Brazil are still thirsty for moisture. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave...
Ag exports, imports down in 2023 as values declined
Last year inflation and higher values led to increases in both export and import numbers. USDA Economist Bart Kenner tells USDA Radio that 2023 has seen a different trend through the first ten months of the year. Kenner says ag imports are down by 2%, while exports...
Video
More Ag News
ISU Extension providing farmers with valuable climate data
All sectors of the Iowa ag industry have been reeling from drought issues for 200 weeks now, and while we are trending in the right direction, the drought won’t be ending overnight. With such intense rainfall deficits in many parts of the state, farmers need guidance...
NPB and Ducks Unlimited advancing sustainability in ag
Sustainability in the pork industry is central to pork producers. It’s key to ensuring producers can freely operate their farms and businesses now and in the future. Sam Morine, National Pork Board Director of Grant Administration, says the Advancing U.S. Pork...
Using data to drive change in fertilizer use
Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR™ program rewards farmers for replacing synthetic fertilizer via Pivot Bio’s microbial nitrogen, delivering an environmental benefit to all. Lori Reese is the director of commercial sustainability programs with Pivot Bio and says that by using data...
Free counseling available for Iowa farmers
Affordability and accessibility are the top barriers for farmers seeking mental health services, per an American Farm Bureau Federation survey. During May Mental Health Awareness Month, the Iowa Farm Bureau wants to remind farmers support is readily available—and at...
Secretary Vilsack comments on USDA response to H5N1
During my trip to Washington this week, it was driven home that the bird flu is no longer the bird flu. It isn’t even Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, anymore. The Federal government and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are now calling it...
