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Naig reports encouraging crop conditions in much of Iowa

Naig reports encouraging crop conditions in much of Iowa

Before planters even rolled into Iowa fields this spring, there were early warnings that a hot and dry summer could pose serious challenges for the 2025 growing season. While summer is still in its first week, crop conditions across much of the state are holding up well. Recent heat and timely moisture are helping to accelerate growth and development, especially in fields that were planted later or slowed by cooler temperatures in May and early June. So far, it’s a decent start for Iowa crops....

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Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity continues to increase

Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity continues to increase

Many people underestimate the prevalence of food insecurity. Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study shows that food insecurity has increased in every county in Iowa and impacts 385,130 Iowans- over 120,000 of which are children. That’s 12% of Iowans and 16.6%...

Planting window has been wide open in Southwest Iowa

Planting window has been wide open in Southwest Iowa

Aside from a few storms earlier this spring, the weather has been mostly wide open for planting season. With most of the crops planted at this point, farmers are now waiting for some timely rains. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said the planting window...

Outlook for summer and fall weather

Outlook for summer and fall weather

The past week of weather in Iowa has felt more like July than May. The warm and dry conditions have allowed farmers to move quickly with planting, but the heat has some questioning if it is still spring. With abnormal warmth in mid-May, what do the summer and fall...

Ernst: keep food policy off Rodeo Drive

Ernst: keep food policy off Rodeo Drive

It’s been more than two years since California’s Proposition 12 took effect, and pork producers across the country are still grappling with its consequences. The law has done little to improve animal welfare, critics say, but has created significant financial strain,...

South American Weather and Crop Update (5-13-25)

South American Weather and Crop Update (5-13-25)

Concerns about the dry weather are becoming more real in South America- in fact, it's to the point where the USDA is now adjusting its crop projections. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there's some rain in the forecast, but the overall climate is going to...

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2025 planting nearly done, but not easy

2025 planting nearly done, but not easy

Iowa farmers got an early jump on planting this spring, taking advantage of favorable conditions in April. But progress hasn’t come without challenges, as scattered storms and temperature swings kept growers on their toes. With planting nearly complete, heavy rains...

U.S. Export Sales Report (5-22-25)

U.S. Export Sales Report (5-22-25)

After a few weeks of excellent export sales, this week’s report was much quieter. This has helped the markets settle down ahead of the extended Memorial Day weekend. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Breisch...