Top Stories
RFS and USDA July bean and corn balance sheet
How does the recently announced Renewable Fuel Standard proposal play a role in USDA's U.S. soybean and corn supply and demand estimate in the July WASDE report? USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says the RFS proposal plays a big role in the soybean numbers from this month’s WASDE report. Both soybean crush and domestic use numbers are up in the current marketing year forecasts. Meyer says the impact on U.S. corn supply and demand based on the latest RFS proposal is less well known. That was...
Nursery stage nutrition helps set the stage for maximum potential
Healthy and strong nursery pigs are essential to ensuring that each animal reaches its maximum potential. If a piglet does not receive the essential minerals and nutrients, it can limit their potential in the long run. Jeremiah Nemechek is a tech services nutritionist...
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...
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Pushing to update conservation processes in Iowa
With the current restrictions on water usage in the Des Moines metro, water conservation practices are at the forefront of discussion. While we have many new practices that offer plenty of benefits for farmers and the nearby waterways, it can be difficult to make...
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...
