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Satellite technology gives farmers another perspective
Weather has always been one of agriculture's biggest wild cards, but today's farmers have more information than ever before to help them understand what is happening in their fields and around the world. Beyond the forecast on your phone or the rain gauge outside the shop, satellites are constantly monitoring crop development, soil moisture and vegetation health across major growing regions. That information helps analysts compare this year's conditions with previous growing seasons and...
Hot and humid conditions and the impact on agriculture
This week in Iowa has been hot, humid, and wet with frequent rainfall and humidity that has stressed humans and livestock. Iowa is not alone as the United States has featured wide swaths of similar weather. The extremes of the hot and humid weather have been felt in...
Smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1973
The July Cattle on Feed Report offered little relief to customers paying higher prices for beef. That’s despite the cycle of herd liquidation that seems to be slowly ending. There were 94.2 million cattle and calves in the U.S. as of July 1, the lowest mid-year number...
Iowa farmers urged to keep tar spot from ruining bumper crop
Iowa has received plenty of rain recently, and the temperatures have finally cooled off as well. On top of that, we’re looking at one of the biggest crops in recent history. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s not sure that he’s ever seen such a big...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-30-25)
The weather in South America has still not changed much, with farmers in Brazil and Argentina seeing mostly clear and dry conditions. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there are scattered rain showers, but otherwise the weather remains status quo. The dry...
Basis matters now, say Midwest ag economists
Tight corn supplies might normally trigger a rally in the market, but so far, that hasn’t been the case. Despite strong demand and dwindling stocks, futures prices have stayed relatively steady. That’s because—while the numbers show a squeeze—markets may be confident...
Argentina makes permanent tax cuts to ag exports
Recently, Argentina President Javier Milei announced permanent export tax cuts for a wide variety of agricultural commodities. The biggest impact globally will be seen in the soybean marketplace, as Argentina is the world’s largest exporter of soybean meal. Allendale...
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Taking a look at WASDE estimates despite government shutdown
The impact of the government shutdown continues to be felt, as today was supposed to be the October WASDE report. However, we can still look at the trade estimates to get an idea of what this month’s report could have looked like. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Farm aid delay is another shutdown casualty
It will take Congress to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation, assuming that is the course the administration takes to fund emergency farm aid growers need now. But new appropriations were not in the cards, and the government was shut down. House Appropriations...
Senate Ag Committee Senator says China no longer reliable ag trading partner
Senate Ag Committee Republican Roger Marshall of Kansas says China is no longer a reliable ag trading partner. He argues that United States producers need to utilize value-added farm goods to make up for losses in the Chinese market. Value added farm goods are...
Secretary Naig Announces 12 grants to support Iowa specialty crop production
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded Specialty Crop Block Grants to 12 projects across the state. The goal of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of Iowa-grown...
Synchronizing cows brings stronger herd performance and profit
Cattle producers looking to boost profitability may find new value in narrowing their calving window. Recent data from Merck Animal Health shows that synchronizing cow herds can lead to more uniform calf crops and higher returns when it is time to sell. The research...
