Top Stories
Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability rather than short-term relief. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says there is no denying the challenges farmers faced in 2025, particularly in terms of trade. Tariffs and shifting policies created uncertainty, but Naig...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-23-24)
Once again, there is very little that is different when it comes to the weather down in South America, as the dry weather has stuck around. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. That dry weather is still allowing...
Mitigating nitrogen loss with a no-burn nitrogen solution
The weather in Iowa this growing season has been unpredictable to say the least. With tornadoes, heavy rainfall and flooding, and even a derecho crossing the state, Iowa has dealt with numerous significant weather issues that bring unique challenges for farmers. With...
Obstacles remain for red meat exports to Canada
Canada is a top five destination for both U.S. beef and pork exports, but shipments are sometimes slowed by regulatory issues. The transition to the Public Health Information System (PHIS) was supposed to simplify this process, but that has obviously not been the case...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
How are conservation practices handling floods?
When we talk about conservation projects for our fields, we are often sold on what it can do to clean up the water and prevent soil erosion by wind and water. As we have witnessed through the spring and early summer, large amounts of rain have fallen across much of...
Navigating the biological marketplace
Biologicals are among the many new tools farmers can use on their farms. But with any new products, it’s important to make sure you’re getting something of a high quality that will provide the maximum benefit for your farm. Jacob Parnell, head agronomist at Biome...
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World Food Prize laureates receive their honor
World Food Prize week in Iowa culminated last Thursday with the award of what is considered the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.” The laureate awards were awarded to two advocates of plant genetic diversity and global seed banks. World Food Prize Foundation President...
Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates
Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017,...
Rural Mainstreet Index showing lackluster results
The economy has been in a weird place. The DOW is strong, the dollar is strong, job numbers seem better than anticipated, and consumers are still paying for what they want. However, buying power is lower because prices are higher. Look no further than your local...
TN visa program is a key part of the ag labor force
With agricultural labor challenges across the entire sector, some farmers and ranchers are turning to a unique type of visa to alleviate the burden. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the TN visa program is meant to...
Champion Seed looking at different ways to cut input costs
Every year, farmers have to consider what they can do to minimize inputs while still maximizing their yields. Brandon Hulme, an agronomist with Champion Seed, said they’ve been looking at biologicals as a solution that will utilize the nutrients in the soil in order...
