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Iowa soybean fields need to end the year strong
It may feel like there isn’t much of a choice for seed genetics anymore, but companies like BASF are making an effort to provide new genetics that stand out from the competition and give farmers some unique choices. Colin Rogers, BASF seed agronomist, said Xitavo soybeans are well-equipped to handle diseases like sudden death syndrome. Many farmers have had some strong vegetative growth in their soybean fields, but there are still concerns with pod fill. Rogers said this year’s crop still...
Landscape of potential tariffs continues to shift
Several major developments have taken place when it comes to trade. This includes delays in the implementation of country-specific tariffs, as well as new threats of tariffs against the European Union, Mexico and Brazil. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government...
Disease pressure looms despite Iowa’s strong start to growing season
When driving through the countryside this season you have probably been doing a lot scouting from the highway and noticed that the crops in Iowa have looked excellent. That has been reflected in the crop condition ratings with this year’s crop appearing to be poised...
Ernst supports mental health care for Iowa farmers
U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the bipartisan Farmers First Act to support access to critical mental health resources for Iowa farmers. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The...
Iowa producers urged to stay engaged
The pork industry is facing a complex web of challenges — from animal disease and global trade pressures to regulatory scrutiny and shifting consumer expectations. At times, it can feel like there are too many irons in the fire and not enough hands to manage them....
Iowa farmers can take a close look at strip till practices
Even though it’s been around for over 50 years, strip tillage is still a fairly new conservation practice that farmers can use. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a field day at the end of this month to show off how strip tillage works and what...
Grassley says Prop 12 should be addressed in the farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that the 2025 farm bill should include provisions that override state-level animal welfare laws like California’s Prop 12. The law requires that pork products sold in the state meet specific housing conditions for...
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Low supply keeps Iowa farmland values firm
Iowa farmland remains one of the most closely watched indicators of the state’s agricultural economy strength. Even with falling commodity prices and tighter profit margins, interest in ground across the state hasn’t let up. Farmers and landowners alike are keeping a...
Some farmers in Iowa dealing with pollination problems
We have been reading reports across the country this growing season about issues with pollination in corn. Northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist Eric Bartels says those issues have also been found in northwest Iowa but are not widespread. He adds that reports of...
Proper grain storage is critical during summer months
Proper grain storage is critical during these hot summer months, especially with the heat dome that is sitting over most of Iowa. Effective management of a few key factors can give farmers the flexibility to hold onto their stored grain until market conditions are the...
Recent Iowa weather conducive to tar spot development
Tar spot has been a major issue in Iowa for several years now, with this year being no different. While pressure from tar spot right now is minimal, the recent weather may cause it to ramp up in the next few weeks. Last year was an example of how detrimental tar spot...
EPA proposed registering Dicamba again
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to re-register Dicamba herbicide for over-the-top application on cotton and soybeans. Successful Farming says there will be restrictions intended to limit possible ecological harm. Dicamba has been blamed for...
