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August WASDE threw a curveball at the corn markets
With trade uncertainty on the minds of many farmers, the USDA threw the corn market a curveball. The August WASDE report gave farmers and ranchers across the country an interesting look into how production might look this fall. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it looks like we will see a big U.S. corn crop this year. Parum said this report plays into the larger story of global agriculture trade. Parum said uncertainty remains even as farmers prepare for...
Governor?s Charity Steer Show prepares for 40th anniversary
The Governor?s Charity Steer Show will return this year, and they?ve reached yet another milestone, with 2022 marking the 40th anniversary of the charity event. The opening ceremony will take place this Friday, and both the Iowa Cattlemen?s Association (ICA) and the...
Cash rental rates rise significantly across Iowa
Stronger commodity prices and farmland values are leading to higher cash rents across most of the state. According to the most recent annual survey of cash rental rates for the state of Iowa?s farmland, it showed that rates have increased an average of 10.3% in 2022,...
Landus & Des Moines Water Works partner on Plots in the Park
Water quality has been a hot-button topic in the state for many years now. Upstream farmers are needing to accomplish certain tasks and have certain tools available to grow a successful crop, but urban folks downstream are worried about what is showing up in their...
Biden proposes Indo Pacific Economic Framework
During an Asia trip, President Biden proposed his Indo Pacific Economic Framework of the U.S. and 12 other nations, as a safeguard buffer to China?s growing economic influence in the region.The Framework is Biden?s answer to the Trans-Pacific Partnership that the U.S....
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-24-22)
Southern Brazil should see some good rains, which will help with that safrinha corn crop, but otherwise it?s still dry in Brazil in Argentina. Right now, they?re mostly just trying to get the rest of their crops out, so this is largely a good thing. Allendale...
Gas prices jump as diesel declines
The national gas price increased for the fifth straight week, while diesel declined slightly. GasBuddy reports the average national gas price increased 11 cents last week to $4.57 per gallon, while diesel fell 1.7 cents to an average of $5.53 per gallon. GasBuddy's...
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More Ag News
Cold winter has given way to unseasonable warmth
Now is a slow time of year for the U.S. Drought Monitor. With January being the coldest month in Iowa, the soil profiles are usually too frozen to allow any moisture in. However, with these unseasonably warm temperatures we?ve been experiencing, there?s actually been...
Getting started in agriculture no easy task for young farmers
With high input costs and rising interest rates, farming can be difficult to navigate for even seasoned farmers and ranchers. But what about someone who is trying to break into the agriculture industry?Getting started in farming is no easy task. Input costs are high...
U.S. bison industry pursuing market opportunities in Japan
U.S. bison is seeking access to the Japanese market, and importers in Japan are eager for the product. National Bison Association Executive Director Jim Matheson said the bison industry recently had an opportunity to make their case to Japanese officials in a visit to...
Mike Naig sworn-in for second term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan 13, 2023) ? Mike Naig was sworn-in for his second full term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture today during a formal public ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen administered the oath...
Not too soon to think about spring deworming options
We all know the saying, ?proper planning prevents poor performance.? That line can be applied to many areas of farming and livestock production. Dr. Dan Cummings is a professional services veterinarian with Boehringer-Ingelheim and he says that taking the time now to...
