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There’s still a chance for an updated farm bill
Both the Senate and Congress now have Democrat majorities, which changes what we might see in the next farm bill, assuming we get one soon. Duane Simpson, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said he believes some work will get done to finish the farm bill. With the double majority for Democrats, it is likely that Republicans will have no choice but to allow a two-year delay for SNAP benefits if they want a farm bill done soon. However, Simpson said that doesn’t mean SNAP...
UPL sees growing role for biological crop nutrition
Biological products are becoming a larger part of the crop nutrition conversation as companies look for new ways to help crops access nutrients throughout the growing season. UPL is putting more emphasis on that space as it expands beyond the post-patent crop...
Lofty market prices are worth making a plan for
U.S. grain prices are historically high as we enter harvest season, which provides a very unique marketing opportunity for Iowa producers. However, it can be difficult to chase a market rally and worry about harvest at the same time. Micheal Weidner, director of grain...
Grassley: House-Senate Farm Bill pre-conferencing is likely underway
House and Senate Ag staff are likely trying to iron out farm bill differences ahead of the Senate’s return next week to save time, according to a key senator. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s optimistic about the process. Pre-conferencing could speed the farm...
Dairy again at center of Canada trade war escalation
The dairy industry once again finds itself in the middle of the trade tug-of-war between the United States and Canada. President Trump has banned Canadian dairy products and other goods along with government contracts in the latest trade war escalation. Trump says the...
Corn harvest begins as U.S. crop condition continues to decline
The U.S. corn harvest is underway as farmers enter the final stages of a growing season marked by uneven weather and declining crop conditions. USDA's latest Crop Progress report showed 5% of the nation's corn had been harvested as of Sept. 6, compared with the...
John Deere turns years of farm data into answers
Artificial intelligence is becoming another tool available to farmers, and John Deere is developing an AI assistant designed to help producers make better use of years of data they have already collected. John Deere unveiled JD, its new AI assistant embedded in...
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USDA moving to modernize farm loan programs
The USDA is making efforts to streamline the farm loan process, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle that is the current farm economy. The changes to the farm loan program come as farmers face increasingly tight profit margins and greater credit demand. Danny...
ARC and PLC enrollment underway
Enrollment is open now for acreage in the ARC or PLC safety net programs. USDA Farm Production Undersecretary Richard Fordyce says enrollment is open through early December for farmers to choose either program. Fordyce explains the ARC safety net program. He says that...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-22-26)
As planting for the next crop season continues in South America, a shift to a rainier weather pattern is providing a boost to the crops that are in the ground already. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and...
Financial pressure persists for corn and soybean farmers
A new survey of corn and soybean farmers finds financial pressure remains high despite recent improvements in commodity prices. The National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association report nearly two-thirds of growers are moderately or very concerned...
Naig urges safety as harvest impatience grows
Rain has kept many Iowa combines parked as farmers wait for fields to dry, and with October approaching, the desire to finally get harvest underway continues to build. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said that anticipation is evident as he travels across the...
