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Ernst talks fertilizer costs, trade, and supply chains
Fertilizer supplies and pricing continue to be a major concern for farmers as global tensions and trade uncertainty influence the ag economy heading towards the second half of the growing season. While many producers were able to secure products ahead of spring planting, questions are already beginning to build about fertilizer availability and pricing for fall application and the 2027 crop year. I spoke with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst about those concerns, including domestic fertilizer...
Providing an extra boost to Iowa water quality projects
As the central Iowa water restrictions continue, organizations are working hard to do whatever they can to get the nitrate levels in the water back down to a safe level. For years, the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF) has been working with its partners to mitigate...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-8-25)
The weather is still mostly the same in South America, but there is finally some rain forecasted for some of the production areas in Argentina. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts. While Brazil’s safrinha harvest...
Reconciliation bill contains good news for ethanol and biofuels
The Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law over the weekend and critics argue that it did away with clean energy initiatives. However, Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, disagrees from the viewpoint of ethanol and biofuels. Cooper says...
Secretary Naig announces new water quality project in central Iowa’s Beaver Creek Watershed
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is partnering with the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and other public and private partners to launch a new Water Quality...
Iowa pork producers urged to share priorities
Maintaining the health of the U.S. hog herd has always required constant vigilance against animal disease threats. In recent years, much of the attention has centered on global concerns, such as African Swine Fever, with biosecurity efforts ramping up to prevent it...
The battle against New World Screwworm continues
Recently, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S.-Mexico border would reopen for cattle shipments in phases after ports of entry were closed to limit the spread of New World Screwworm. This will help level out the balance between biosecurity and...
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CLAAS FARMPOINT expands footprint in Iowa
CLASS FARMPOINT is increasing its commitment to Iowa agriculture with a new service center in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the company’s second permanent location in the state. The expansion brings equipment, support and services even closer to area farmers, ensuring farmers’...
Secretary Naig extends sign-up for cover crop cost-share through September 18
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding...
Getting a comprehensive look at soil nutrients with tissue and soil tests
Harvest is approaching fast- in fact, some parts of the state have rolled out combines already. Once this year’s crop is out of the field, it’ll be an ideal time to do some soil testing. Eileen Bernard, director of farm and retail growth at Farmers Edge, said farmers...
July was strong for pork exports, weak for beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S....
Ethanol industry looks to ramp up push for year-round E15
The California general assembly’s approval of E15 sales in the state has given the ethanol industry the latest opportunity to seek new avenues for Congress to legislate year-round E15 sales nationally. Governor Gavin Newsom still needs to sign off on the state’s bill,...
