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Farmers trim input costs as profit margins remain tight
Farmers across the Corn Belt are reducing spending on fertilizer, seed and crop protection products as they prepare for another year of narrow profit margins. Agricultural economists and industry analysts report that many producers are carefully managing expenses after several seasons of declining crop prices and higher operating costs. While fertilizer prices have moderated from record highs seen in recent years, input costs remain elevated compared with historical averages. Farm management...
Soy checkoff & State organizations make investment in PNW Soy Meal Port
Earlier this week we talked about the work being done by the beef checkoff to invest dollars into continuing education. The soybean checkoff is also investing in the marketability of the soybeans that we grow. Recently a group led by the United Soybean Board (USB),...
Pro Farmer Crop Tour saw lower day one results than last year
The results from the first day of Pro-Farmer’s annual Midwest Crop Tour are lower than last year. About a thousand scouts- including our own Andy Petersen- headed out into Midwestern corn and soybean fields on Monday to objectively determine the final projections....
Many fields in southwest Iowa are looking outstanding
With some pretty cooperative weather during pollination, the fields in southwest Iowa are mostly looking great as we approach the end of the crop year. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said that, while some areas could use some rain, he’s very pleased with...
Farm Progress Show ready for the latest and greatest in agriculture
The Farm Progress Show will take place Tuesday August 27th-Thursday August 29th at the Farm Progress Show site in Boone Iowa. FPS media day was held on Wednesday to showcase the newest attractions at the show along with the final preparations being made for the...
Food Bank of Iowa receives 6,000 pounds of food from ISF vendors
Sixteen Iowa State Fair vendors have donated 6,000 pounds of surplus food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year’s fair. (That’s half of last year’s 12,000 pounds, but not surprising given the fair attracted an all-time record number of visitors this year:...
Fertilizer outlook is less than rosy for fall 2024
Input costs are higher than ever, and with a grain market settling back lower, that is not happy news. There have also been issues with supply chains and obtaining what we need to be successful in any crop year. Where this really hurts is when it comes to inputs we...
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More Ag News
Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 2)
Yesterday, we started a year in review with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, and today we will conclude our look back on the year that was for Agriculture in our state. You can’t start another look into 2024 without talking about the Iowa State Fair. It’s the biggest...
Pork is great for any plate
Consumers choose pork at the meat case for different reasons. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition at the National Pork Board, said taste is the top driver in food choices. Hicks-Roof said the National Pork Board is gaining momentum in connecting with the...
USDA forecasts higher retail egg prices for 2025
If you purchased eggs throughout 2024 you are well aware of the climbing price of eggs over the course of the year. Eggs are up in price on average 7.7% compared to last year. Unfortunately, those prices are not expected to decline in 2025. That is USDA economist,...
Rapid growth for biodiesel and renewable diesel in 2024
The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and...
Port labor contract dispute disrupting red meat exports
U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt U.S. exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in mid-November over...
