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Details from the USDA March Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the March Cattle on Feed Report on Friday March 20th and with the cattle industry in a pattern of low supply and continued high demand, the report can offer clues on the industry’s direction. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell provides the numbers of cattle in feedlots on March 1st. He notes that last year at this time is roughly when the effects of closing the Mexico border for feeder cattle imports due to New World Screwworm started to impact the numbers. McConnell says...
Cutting nitrogen inputs without cutting yields
As input costs continue to rise, farmers are looking for ways to reduce costs while maintaining yields. Nitrogen is one of the costliest inputs, and fortunately there is a way to reduce the amount of nitrogen you apply without kneecapping your yields. Mark Peterson, a...
As Iowa farmers hold grain, crop protection continues
With grain prices under pressure and supplies heavy, many Iowa farmers are making the decision to hold grain in storage longer while waiting for better marketing opportunities. According to the USDA, ample production combined with softer demand has kept prices below...
Fareway donates nearly $300,000 of ham to Iowa food banks
Earlier this week, Fareway Stores made a donation of approximately 69,000 pounds of variety hams to the Food Bank of Iowa. The full retail value of this donation is $297,961.61, and that donation will quickly make it to food-insecure Iowans across the state. Annette...
Farmers play a key role in producing Super Bowl snacks
Super Bowl Sunday is consistently one of the highest demand days for food across the U.S., supporting the farm economy. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Super Bowl Sunday can really reflect the abundance of American agriculture....
Saving time on your cattle operation through data and analytics
Time is money for farmers and producers and products that can help simplify data and analytics can save producers time and allow them to keep their operation running smoothly. Dustin Balsley is founder and Chief Operating Officer of Performance Livestock Analytics and...
Iowa farms are re-evaluating how they use John Deere Operations Center
John Deere Operations Center is already part of many farming operations today, but how it is being used varies widely depending on equipment, connectivity, and how far a farm has gone down the precision ag path. As automation and advanced application technologies...
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Markets continue to look at South America as harvest continues
There were some recent concerns about dry weather in South America, but the current forecast is now showing ideal conditions for their crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said soybean...
Senate Finance Committee looks closely at USMCA trade deal
With the review process of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement set to begin later this year, the Senate Finance Committee took a closer look at the deal this week. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Strong U.S. corn exports continue
Another month-over-month increase is forecasted for our nation's corn exports, according to USDA's latest outlook. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses the export numbers for the nation’s record corn crop. Jekanowski says one impact from...
Dairy producers in Iowa reminded to obtain 2026 dairy margin coverage by February 26
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 12 and the deadline to enroll is...
Iowa regulators highlight changes to pesticide guidance
New federal pesticide decisions and evolving endangered species requirements are expected to bring more field-specific guidance for Iowa applicators heading into the growing season. Conversations following the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Showcase highlighted how...
