Top Stories
Cattle markets quickly reacting to news headlines
In today’s social media world, all it takes are a handful of posts online and a few days of reactions to flip the cattle market upside down. That is the opinion of Cassie Fish, a cattle market analyst and blogger for “The Beef.” She says it is frustrating to see the cattle market so quickly change directions to the downside. Despite the market reactions to the headline grabs, Fish says that the fundamentals of the cattle market are the same. The United States cattle supply remains very...
Rail Safety Week reminding farmers & others to be alert
As we get ready to harvest this year’s crop, we know that the movement of grain is critical this time of year. As elevators fill up locally, they need to have a constant flow of grain out of their facilities as well. Trains are an integral part of that relationship....
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-19-23)
Still a lot of dryness in the South American weather forecast, but this time there’s some excess heat thrown in there as well. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest climate and weather patterns. That extra heat in the forecast is raising...
Extension can’t be ruled out for farm bill
In August at the Iowa State Fair, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that he was optimistic that a new farm bill would be completed in time. However, during his weekly ag conference call with reporters on Tuesday...
USDA data shows crop improvement R&D spending expanding
Total research and development spending on crop improvement by the seven largest seed companies increased from less than $2 billion in 1990 to more than $6.5 billion by 2021. USDA’s Economic Research Service reports the spending closely tracks with increases in...
Iowa soybean production mythbusting
Busting myths as they relate to Iowa Agricultural production potentially this growing season. With the extremely dry weather, soybean yields will be key. Certainly things are changing in production row crop agriculture in Iowa. The old norm of course was plant the...
Lawmakers ask FDA to enforce their own rules AGAIN
We have been talking at length for years about what constitutes a dairy product. First, it was products made from nuts such as almonds and cashews. Then, it was other products such as oats and rice. Many of us still wonder where it is you actually milk these products,...
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More Ag News
EPA considers slowing shift to electric vehicles
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering slowing tailpipe emission limits, which would give automakers more time to increase electric vehicle sales. The New York Times, followed by the Washington Post, reported the change, which could be viewed by some as a...
Start protecting your crops early in the growing season
Several yield factors, like minimizing inputs and maximizing weed and disease control, are at the top of every farmer’s mind as the 2024 planting season approaches. Getting a head start with early-season crop protection can help farmers reduce the stress their crops,...
Assessment shows U.S. soy’s carbon footprint has considerably decreased
A newly released Life Cycle Assessment found the U.S. soybean industry’s global warming potential profile decreased considerably in 2021 for whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soy oil compared to previously reported findings in 2015 and 2010. Commissioned by the United...
How you can help create more corn and soybean demand
Going in search of demand for our Iowa Agricultural products. Specifically, increasing the consumption of renewable fuels to increase commodity prices as well as additional revenue streams for producers. There's a big push right now for E15 sales to be made legal...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-20-24)
Brazil has some good rains still, and Argentina is still dry. However, some nice rains are projected to pass through both countries. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. McBride said harvest and...
