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EPA backs innovation that works for farmers
As farmers continue to face high input costs, new precision technology could provide opportunities to reduce expenses while also limiting environmental impacts. Doug Jones, agriculture advisor for EPA Region 7, says the agency is watching several new technologies that could help farmers become more precise with fertilizer and crop protection products. Jones pointed to seed and spray technology that can identify and target individual weeds rather than applying herbicide uniformly across an...
Examining the process of becoming Prop 12 compliant
The future of California Proposition 12 is uncertain. Currently, there is no legislation to address it in the Senate Farm Bill, but several swine industry groups are still hard at work to get something included in the final version. If the farm bill were to move...
Corn and soybean inspections dropped last week
Corn and soybean export inspections declined last week, while wheat inspections improved, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA says 1.54 million metric tons of corn were inspected for export during the week ending July 9, down...
Soybean trends in USDA July balance sheets
The recent USDA WASDE report for July provides the latest update for the world and domestic soybean outlooks. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the balance sheet details gains in U.S. soybean production and that reflects in the world...
High input costs remain a top concern for U.S. producers
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped from May to June. Michael Langemeier, the director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, discussed the significance of these low numbers. Langemeier expanded on the primary reason...
Two wars add uncertainty to grain markets
Geopolitical tensions continue to influence grain markets as conflicts in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe create uncertainty for global energy and agricultural trade. Ag economist Frayne Olson says the latest developments in the Middle East could have indirect...
July started with heavy rain but has since dried out
This month has already been a crazy one when it comes to the weather. July started off with unrelenting rainfall across much of central Iowa, but since then it has transitioned to a warm and dry pattern. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist with Landus Cooperative,...
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House approves additional farm aid
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $12 billion in additional farm aid as part of its budget reconciliation package. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the struggles of the farm economy have made...
USDA moves forward with mandatory relocation despite pushback
The USDA Rural Development Mission Area intends to move nearly 3,000 members of its workforce out of the Washington, DC area, according to a report from Meatingplace. The relocation aims to modernize operations, increase accountability, and ensure federal resources...
Heavy rain hits crops in central Iowa again
Earlier this week, torrential rains hit central Iowa once again via a windbag storm. On top of the rain, heavy wind and hail damaged crops in some parts of the state. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said that, while central and eastern Iowa...
Record voter support for E15 captures Senate’s attention
A new voter poll shows record support for all year around higher-ethanol fuel blend. Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, wants to use the data to advance year-round E15 legislation through the Senate. He explains that voter support for...
Nutrien offers producers added financial flexibility
Farmers continue to face financial pressure as depressed commodity prices and elevated input costs squeeze profit margins across the countryside. As producers look for ways to preserve working capital while still investing in their crops, financing has become another...
