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George Washington’s cherries reveal agricultural legacy
The story of George Washington and a cherry tree has long been part of American folklore. While historians have dismissed that tale as fiction, a recent discovery at Mount Vernon has revealed a very real connection between the nation's first president and the fruit he cultivated on his Virginia estate. During restoration work at Mount Vernon, archaeologists uncovered bottles of preserved cherries hidden within the mansion. The discovery quickly became more than a routine archaeological find....
South American Weather and Crop Update (11-5-24)
With the amount of rain that has fallen in South America, any crop concerns that were held earlier in the season have virtually disappeared. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said Brazil...
USMEF Strategic Planning Conference will focus on trade relationships
Members of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) will gather in Tucson, Arizona, this week for the federation’s annual Strategic Planning Conference. USMEF Chair Randy Spronk will mark the end of his term of leadership of the organization. Spronk said that, over the...
How will farm bill deliberations play out in 2025?
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is sticking with his prediction of another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill as Congress runs short on time in 2024. Grassley says that a new five-year farm bill being completed after the elections and during a lame...
Farm Credit System income up seven percent to $5.91 billion
The Farm Credit System reported that combined net income was relatively stable at $1.98 billion for the third quarter of 2024, as compared with $2 billion for the third quarter of 2023. For the nine months ending on September 20, 2024, FCS’s combined net income...
Northern Iowa agronomist reviews 24 and previews 25
As harvest wraps up, we are taking stock of what we learned from this year. We are also having to make plans for 2025. With tighter profit margins, farmers have some very tough choices. Dekalb/Asgrow agronomist Rich Judge joins us in this featured conversation.
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...
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Ag export values to drop in 2025
The value of U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2025 is expected to drop to the lowest level in five years. USDA says shipments this year are projected to be valued at $170.5 billion, up from the $170 billion in the November 2024 outlook. That would still be the...
USDA Secretary Rollins discusses farm economy and disaster aid
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was one of the featured speakers at the annual Ag Outlook Forum last week and she addressed the difficulties of the farm economy. Rollins, whose plane back to DC was grounded, addressed the 101st Ag Outlook Forum virtually and said that...
Naig confident about future of conservation farming support
After some uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized the long-delayed cost-share payments, offering temporary relief to farmers who rely on these funds. While this decision provides some reassurance, concerns remain about the future of these...
Rural Americans face higher risk of cardiovascular disease
Rural Americans are disproportionately impacted by many health conditions, as found by studies compiled by the National Grange. One of the most serious conditions is cardiovascular disease. Chris Hamp, President of the National Grange, said their work revealed the...
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, said that consumer education programs- made possible through support from...
