Top Stories
Scouting now helps manage future rootworms
Corn rootworm larvae are already active in many Iowa fields, but much of the damage they cause remains hidden below the soil surface. Agronomists say that makes scouting and monitoring especially important, even when crops appear healthy above ground. Dan Etter, a Channel technical agronomist in southern Iowa, said rootworm pressure can be easy to overlook because the pest spends much of its life cycle feeding underground. Unlike foliar diseases or other visible crop issues, rootworm damage...
Biologicals provide most benefit for producers with a supplemental approach
The biological market has expanded very quickly in recent years and biological companies are striving to demonstrate their value to producers as part of a supplemental crop plan. Brent Lackey is the head of biologicals product marketing with Syngenta and he says that...
Recent rains soaking deep into the soil profile
After one of the driest starts in recorded history for October, the end of the month brought plenty of rain. At this point, the weather is now continuing with a wetter pattern. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, gave an update on the latest conditions. Since...
Adding value to the U.S. pork industry through innovation
Research-backed innovation uses technology, consumer trends and cuts to add value to the product. Kevin Sheehan, director of processor engagement at the National Pork Board, said innovation has been very beneficial to the packer side of the industry. Sheehan said...
Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines
As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Machinery manufacturer AGCO has...
What would a major animal disease response look like?
We talk at length about the diseases that affect the livestock industry, whether it is H5N1, PRRS, or BRD. One of the things we have been blessed to not discuss, though, is African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other foreign animal disease (FAD) of that caliber. We know...
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-12-24)
The rainy monsoon season is continuing to bring plenty of moisture to the fields in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is continuing at a good pace as well....
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More Ag News
Strong U.S. red meat export totals for January
Exports of U.S. beef trended higher than a year ago in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were slightly below last January’s large totals, despite another outstanding performance in Mexico...
AFBF President comments on tariff consequences
As the Trump administration continues with plans to implement tariffs on our top trade partners, farmers across the country are preparing to deal with the consequences. In a recent ag policy commentary provided to farm broadcasters by the American Farm Bureau...
Meat production, trade, and price projections for 2025
USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum helps to provide projections for meat production, trade, and price for the year ahead. At the recent 2025 Ag Outlook Forum USDA livestock economist Michael McConnell predicted an overall meat production increase. McConnell also...
Secretary Naig launches Choose Iowa food purchasing pilot program for schools
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program for Schools. The pilot program aims to connect Iowa schools with Choose Iowa members to encourage school food service programs to buy more ingredients and...
EPA backlog puts U.S. agricultural innovation at risk, says Syngenta
The agricultural community has grown increasingly frustrated with the Biden Administration’s EPA, as a backlog of critical rulings has left essential technologies and tools in limbo. Farmers and producers have been waiting for decisive action to address regulatory...
