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Ag Economy Barometer looks ahead to 2026
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer is a monthly index that measures the economic sentiment of U.S. agricultural producers. It is used as a weathervane to determine general farmer sentiment of the ag economy in the present while also looking towards future expectations. The Ag Economy Barometer is based on a survey of 400 farmers and ranchers. The index rose three points in October to a reading of 129. Farmers are in the planning stages for 2026, and James Mintert of Purdue...
Farm capital expenditures increasing with farm income rise
In response to relatively stronger net farm incomes, U.S. farm sector capital expenditures have increased dramatically in the last three years, according to research by the University of Illinois. In 2019, farm sector capital expenditures were approximately $30.1...
ASA VP Daryl Cates talks about Cambodian trip
We have been highlighting the work that the USDA and other organizations have been doing to help grow our markets overseas. Without laying this groundwork and building upon it, there is no way we can build demand for our U.S. soybeans. While government trade missions,...
Despite drought and wild temperatures, fall has been fairly normal
Even though we have seen bits of precipitation around the state over the past few weeks, the U.S. Drought Monitor has remained status quo for the state of Iowa. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said snow doesn?t provide a lot of moisture, so the amount we...
Optimizing feed management plans for a more sustainable operation
Sustainable farming practices can be a win/win scenario for everyone involved in a livestock operation. Farming sustainably means farming efficiently and minimizing input costs. It also means optimizing feed conversion and maximizing animal health.Feed cost is a large...
Key opportunities for U.S. red meat in Africa
The African continent presents a tremendous opportunity for protein demand- particularly for variety meats- while post-COVID expansion of e-commerce, particularly in Kenya, opens up food retail to nearly every corner of the country. U.S. Meat Export Federation Africa...
Senate passes bill to avert catastrophic rail strike
The Senate passed a bill to avoid a potentially catastrophic U.S. railroad strike and sent the bill to President Biden?s desk for his signature. Crossroads Today says the vote came after mounting pressure on lawmakers to move swiftly. Without action, a strike could...
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Soybean farmers encouraged to vote in ISA director elections
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is driven to deliver insights, tools, activities and information to improve the competitiveness and profitability of the state?s soybean growers. This is a feat only made possible by the collective voice and checkoff investment of...
Fertilizer prices continue to slide
It was less than a year ago that we were worried about how we were going to be able to afford to put fertilizer on the fields in the fall or this spring and grow a crop in 2023. How were we going to break even when some prices were topping over $1,500 per ton for...
Using MLV vaccines in swine herds
Modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines have been available for decades, and they?ve proven to be especially critical in the swine industry for PRRS control. Dr. JD Fiechtner, senior account veterinarian for swine at Boehringer Ingelheim, explained how MLV vaccines work...
Fast and reliable direct-to-farm delivery a powerful tool for growers
Farmers Business Network (FBN?), the global AgTech platform and farmer-to-farmer network was launched in 2014 and has continued to build up its logistics and delivery infrastructure in the near decade since. The expanded delivery network offers 3-day delivery or less...
Secretary Naig encourages farmers to utilize state?s hay and straw directory
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers a free, searchable online directory to connect Iowa farmers who have hay or straw to sell with buyers who are interested in purchasing it.Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging farmers or...
