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China soybean demand offers support for U.S. exports
Fresh soybean purchases by China are providing some encouragement for U.S. growers. The Wall Street Journal reports Chinese buyers have begun placing new orders for U.S. soybeans currently being planted. USDA officials say they remain optimistic China will meet previously announced purchasing commitments during the 2026 marketing year. The renewed demand comes as U.S. farmers face increased competition from record South American production. Analysts say Chinese purchases could help support...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline,...
Saving money on inputs doesn’t mean slash and burn
There are many conversations about how farms will save money in 2025. Producers are looking for ways to trim the budget, but cutting corners is a slippery slope. If you slash your inputs too much, your crops could be in serious danger. This year we heard many stories...
Create a financial plan to help navigate tough economic conditions
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers, but those revised estimates still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. However, it’s still possible to lock in some profits for your grain despite some tough...
Will the next administration bring relief to ag trade?
With agricultural import numbers outweighing ag exports over the past couple of years, industry groups are questioning whether or not the new administration will bring relief for ag trade. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said the trade imbalance...
Secretary Naig announces availability of Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is once again offering Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants to expand the availability of Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made foods, beverages, and other...
USDA forecasts continued ag trade deficits as imports surge, exports lag
USDA is projecting another record ag trade deficit this fiscal year as imports surge and exports drop. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says that USDA expects ag imports to outpace exports for the third fiscal year in a row. That total makes up more than $215 billion...
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Protecting crops against deadly soybean diseases
White mold and sudden death syndrome are two diseases that can wipe out your soybean crops very quickly, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent those from infecting your fields. Jared Cottonie, marketing manager with Heads Up Plant Protectants, said...
Previewing the USDA Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports
It has been fairly quiet in the ag markets this week with mostly range bound trading ahead of the release of USDA’s Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports. The reports will be published by USDA on Monday March 31st. In preparation for the reports...
Groups ask for permanent extension of Section 199A
A large number of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agricultural cooperatives, and industry stakeholders sent a letter to Congressional leaders regarding Section 199A in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “We urge Congress to permanently extend the...
Bullish news in latest Cattle on Feed Report
The recent Cattle on Feed Report brought some good news for the cattle industry. After several years of contraction, there may be some indicators that the U.S. cattle herd is rebounding. Bernt Nelson, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Bayer announces new Vyconic™ soybean platform
It’s not every day that we get to talk about a groundbreaking hybrid that can redefine crop protection, but Bayer has done just that with the release of its latest soybean brand. This new innovation offers farmers protection with up to five different modes of action,...
