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USDA details plan to boost fertilizer availability
Fertilizer prices have been a thorn in the side of farmers for several years and the conflict with Iran has only worsened the problem with the strait of Hormuz closure slowing shipping. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced measures to alleviate some of the strain on U.S. farmers due to high fertilizer costs. She says that U.S. growers need more options and certainty when purchasing fertilizer. Rollins details some of the actions taken by the Trump administration to improve fertilizer...
Growth Energy concerned over lack of E15 decisions
Ethanol has had quite a rollercoaster ride these past few years. Whether it has been the battle to get access year-round, or the fiasco after we finally got it, and the courts overturned it. Now, we are battling once again with an administration that promised to do...
Ag chemical marketplace friendly to growers right now
Farmers Business Network was first designed as a farmer driven information source to help farmers make the best agronomic decisions. FBN co-founder Charles Baron says that once again the sharing of data from FBN members has helped to highlight more affordable prices...
Reducing risks associated with fertilizer reduction
As input prices vary, producers are looking for ways to reduce and optimize their nutrient applications. However, when prices are low, that doesn't mean that farmers should start over-applying synthetic fertilizers. Nick Becker, director of field sales with Sound...
PRRS is back in the Iowa swine herd
On top of tough finances, we’re now seeing some disease show up in Iowa's swine herd with a PRRS outbreak: We're seeing the last couple of months, we've had more PRRS outbreaks on finishing floors than we've had in breeding herds. That is always a harbinger of things...
Bryan Whaley named Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO
AMES, Iowa — Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, is pleased to announce Bryan Whaley as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Dec. 4, 2023. Whaley brings many years of experience...
Farmers are an asset on trade trips
So many of our goods are sent out through export to other countries. Agriculture is one of many industries that relies on strong trade with partners around the globe. It takes a team of good people who can help us find new markets and strengthen our relations with...
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Grassley wary of Chinese response to increased tariffs
On Tuesday President Biden announced a surge of increased tariffs on imported Chinese products under Section 301 of 1974’s Trade Act. The tariff hikes will be applied to $18 billion worth of imports from China including electric vehicle batteries and computer chips....
Hog prices much more stable now than a year ago
After soaring to yearly highs recently, the hog prices, along with the rest of the livestock, have come back down to earth. While we would’ve liked to maintain those higher levels, it’s important to remember that hog prices were considerably worse just a year ago....
Deadline approaching for century and heritage farm applications
The June 1 deadline for eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition is quickly approaching, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is encouraging farm families to apply today. The program, which was created in...
Spring warmup can be dangerous for stored grain
Spring warmup can be hard on stored grain, as the sun can cause bins to heat up very quickly. GSI District Manager Dave Ellis said it’s important to properly manage grain bins. Eilis said temperature management is key to proper grain storage. Ellis added that remote...
Ag loan interest payments are starting to soar
The economy is in a tough spot across the board, no matter how government officials want to try and spin it. Interest rates are climbing higher and that is causing problems for borrowers, especially in the agriculture sector. Agricultural operating loans, land loans,...
