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Great weather for pollination in Southwest Iowa
If you look at the nearest corn field, you might see tassels at the tops of each of the stalks of corn. That means pollination is in full swing, and farmers are praying for the stars to align and allow their crops to reach their full potential yields. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said the weather in his area has been great so far, and it looks like that will continue in the near future. When it comes to pollination, Meyer said he looks at two major yield-limiting factors: how...
Iowa farmers can cultivate their farm’s brand
In tough economic times, farmers are looking for alternative income streams and ways to increase their profit margins. One way is through direct-to-consumer sales, whether through farmers' markets, roadside stands, or online. In Iowa, the Choose Iowa program has...
U.S. Senate delivers wins for pork producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language. National Pork Producers Council President...
Rare bug near Iowa prompts field warnings
Profit margins are already razor-thin for many Midwest farmers this year, prompting increased diligence in scouting and early detection of crop threats. With careful planning and proactive crop protection strategies in place, most producers felt prepared for the...
Adjuvant technology can assist Iowa’s growers throughout the season
Adjuvants are discussed a lot in the spring during planting season and the immediate timeframe following emergence, but adjuvant technology can be a helpful tool for growers throughout the season. Mark Christianson is a product manager with Helena and says that simply...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-1-25)
Not much has changed for the weather in South America, and the upcoming forecast is still looking to be dry. The dryness should be good for harvest progress, but at some point the weather will get too dry and start to cause some problems. Allendale commodity broker...
Iowa beef producers and consumers will benefit from reconciliation bill
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is encouraged by the Senate’s passing of the “One Big Beautfiul Bill” and is now urging the House to quickly pass the revised version so President Trump can sign it into law. Notably, this version does not include the...
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Iowa specialty crop growers can take advantage of new USDA funds
America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture. As a result, the USDA recently started doling out funds earmarked for specialty crop growers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American...
Grills and gatherings spotlight Iowa agriculture
Summer in Iowa means more than just sunshine and warm weather — it’s a season packed with hometown festivals, bustling county fairs, and backyard barbecues. From Main Street parades to pork chops on the grill, these events celebrate the best of Iowa communities and...
Big Beautiful Bill receives final approval from U.S. House
President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is done and headed the Independence Day signing that he was looking for. After a lengthy process, farmers will now get updated reference prices; improved crop insurance, livestock, and trade programs; and key tax breaks. House...
Grassley says reconciliation bill contains “key wins for farmers”
On Thursday the United States House of Representatives passed the reconciliation bill by a vote of 218-214. The bill was unchanged from the Senate’s version which passed earlier in the week. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) opened his weekly conference call...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-3-25)
The latest U.S. Export Sales Report had good numbers for both corn and soybeans as we head into an extended holiday weekend. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers might look lower, but they’re still performing better than the average. McBride...
