Top Stories
Next week’s heat dome could stress Iowa crops
We’re roughly halfway through the growing season here in Iowa, and there are varying crop conditions across the state. Much of the crop looks very strong currently, but there are some areas struggling with disease, pest, and weather issues. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said he’s seeing corn growth at the V10 through V14 stages across the state. Bjorklund said the farmers who waited for the optimal planting conditions are seeing more even growth in their fields....
U.S. share of China’s soybean market dropped in 2024
China’s soybean imports from the United States dropped five percent in 2024 from the previous year. Reuters says, “U.S. soybean imports were replaced in the Chinese market by shipments from Brazil and Argentina as fears of a renewed trade war between China and the...
Naig highlights IDALS 2025 legislative wish list
The Iowa Legislative Session is officially underway, bringing new opportunities to address key issues across the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has outlined its priorities for this year, focusing on initiatives to support Iowa’s...
Despite political turmoil in South Korea, U.S. red meat demand remains strong
Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested and indicted after briefly imposing martial law in December. Yoon also faces an impeachment trial that will determine if he is formally removed from office. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice...
Breakthrough BRD vaccine could save U.S. cattle industry $1 billion in costs
U.S. cattle supplies have been at historically low levels. This is made even worse by bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which kills an estimated 8 million calves every year. Fortunately, a professor from Louisiana State University has been working on a solution to the...
Cattle on feed report shows lower placements
The first USDA Cattle on Feed report for the year shows lower placement of cattle on feedlots compared to the same period last year. That is USDA livestock economist Mike McConnell. 11.8 million head of cattle were on feedlots as of January 1st which is a 1% decline...
Ethanol production rises in mid-January
Ethanol output rose during the seven days ending on January 17 as inventories climbed to their highest level in nine months. Data from the Energy Information Administration says production increased to an average of 1.099 million barrels a day, up from 1.095 million...
Video
More Ag News
Modern Ag Alliance pushes late for labeling legislation
Even though the Iowa Legislature was scheduled to adjourn last week, work at the Capitol is far from over. Lawmakers remain locked in negotiations over unresolved budget issues, keeping the session alive past its intended deadline. Amid the ongoing debates, the Modern...
Is emergence the secret to higher corn yields?
In a perfect world all corn plants would emerge simultaneously within the same window. Unfortunately, farmers operate in an imperfect world and ideal, even emergence is not a given. In a year with tight margins, AgriGold Agronomist Brett Leahr says that growers can...
Mental Health Awareness Month: It’s okay to not be okay
May is Mental Health Awareness month. The stresses of farming can easily take a toll on you or your family members, especially during a busy time like planting season. In his weekly commentary provided to farm broadcasters, American Farm Bureau Federation Zippy Duvall...
Secretary Rollins: Not closing FSA offices
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee this week and defended downsizing the USDA and potential cuts to international food programs. Reuters says the secretary added that the Agriculture Department doesn’t plan to close any...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-9-25)
As the U.S. works on more global trade issues, the export sales are continuing to perform well above expectations, at least for corn. Soybeans aren’t bad, but they aren’t quite as good. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave a breakdown on the latest numbers...
