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Boosting the farm economy by allowing whole milk in schools
New analysis from the American Farm Bureau shows a simple solution that could support the farm economy. For over a decade, schoolchildren have been prevented from purchasing whole or 2 percent milk in schools. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Danny Munch said reversing that ban could be a benefit to kids and a positive step for improving the farm economy. Munch said school milk accounts for almost eight percent of fluid milk demand, so it’s a significant market driver. The benefits...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-10-23)
Continued drought is raising concerns in parts of South America. While it is allowing for easy planting progress, the lack of moisture won’t be beneficial to those crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns. With the...
Grassley commends Iowa growers for sustainable farming practices
In September the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working with Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other partners announced record breaking conservation and water quality practice numbers. In Iowa there was $21.86 million in total...
Fertilizer prices mostly higher in September
The Agricultural Marketing Information System’s October “Market Monitor” report says that fertilizer prices were mostly higher in September, as were the prices for the main fertilizer inputs. Farm Policy News from the University of Illinois says price movements for...
Fall weather may have changed, but drought concerns remain
Causing concern for the 2024 growing season to continued dryness here in Iowa and across the upper Midwest. It finally does feel like fall around here after a couple of cooler mornings. Not quite frost worthy so the growing season continues with lower daytime...
America’s rivers find themselves in uncharted waters
So, let’s recap what we know so far. We know it has been a dry couple of years. We know that this year has been the worst we have seen in a while, but not supposed to be as bad as 1988 or even 2012. If that is the case, why are we seeing more concerns over the low...
Midwest Row Crop Collaborative bringing a variety of groups to the same table
In 2016, about 100 Midwest farmers teamed up with leading environmental groups and some of the nation’s largest food and ag companies to promote a more sustainable agricultural system that focuses on soil health, erosion, and biodiversity. Since then, that group-...
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More Ag News
Toyota receives “Friend of Corn” award
We have long been talking about the battle being fought for the future of biofuels in this country. Between the big oil companies on one side trying to lobby or litigate biofuels out of the marketplace and the current administration saying the EVs are the only option...
Final SEC climate disclosure rule a win for farmers and ranchers
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently released its final emissions reporting rule without Scope 3 requirements. The SEC’s final climate disclosure rule doesn’t contain Scope 3, which would have seriously burdened U.S. farmers and ranchers. Travis Cushman,...
Neutral March WASDE provides support to grains
A mostly neutral WASDE report left the markets feeling good to end off this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this was the first time in a while where there were virtually no changes. McBride also noted that the USDA decided to play it safe when it...
Protect your cattle from pasture parasites
Parasites will be close by when cattle are out on pasture. Good pasture management and a strategic deworming protocol can limit the chances of parasites affecting the efficiency and performance of your beef herd. Dr. D.L. Step, a professional services veterinarian...
Japanese-American fusion is top pork dish at student chef contest
The classic American meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables was fused with Japanese ingredients to win over judges at this year’s student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) on Monday. For the annual contest, culinary students were...
