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June forecast brings rain, warmth to Midwest
A warm and active weather pattern is expected to continue across much of the United States through the middle of June, bringing beneficial moisture and above-normal temperatures to many key crop-producing regions. According to USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey, the National Weather Service's 8 to 14-day outlook covering June 9 through June 15 calls for above-normal temperatures across nearly the entire country. At the same time, a series of weather disturbances is expected to deliver widespread...
U.S. blockade in Strait of Hormuz will have long-lasting impact
The Iran conflict has escalated further, as President Donald Trump announced a plan for a full U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the energy and fertilizer industries are wondering what that will do to prices. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer...
U.S. Red Meat Symposium brings U.S. exporters and Mexican importers together
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is conducting a U.S. Red Meat Symposium, April 14-17 in Mexico City, which will allow U.S. exporters to meet face-to-face with importers and other prospective customers from throughout Mexico. This is the second edition of the...
Adjustments to the soybean balance sheets in USDA April WASDE report
The monthly WASDE reports from USDA provide a snapshot of the current state of U.S. and World Soybean Supply and Demand Estimates. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski notes the changes to the U.S. domestic use numbers in the April WASDE report. The...
Advisors urge farmers to use tax data for broader financial planning
Farm financial records can offer more than a snapshot of past performance: they can serve as a roadmap for future decisions, according to agricultural finance experts. As producers prepare tax returns for filing this week, advisors say the process provides an...
Nutrien programs offer revenue paths for Iowa growers
Iowa farmers looking for ways to improve profitability may have another opportunity through sustainability programs that reward management decisions already happening in many corn and soybean systems. Sally Fliss with Nutrien says the company’s FarmSmart programs are...
Rural America needs more ag tax professionals
Tax season can be a stressful time of year, and that is especially true for farm country. As the number of tax preparers who are familiar with the unique complexities of agricultural income declines, a new program from Iowa State University is being developed to offer...
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Rising prices impacting consumer choices
A recent survey about consumer buying trends shows that rising prices are affecting consumer’s choices when purchasing food. The survey was conducted by the Stratovation Group in partnership with food and agriculture communications agency Inspire. Kenny Kuhn is...
Tree planting connects youth to America 250
A tree planting at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is one of many events planned this year as part of the America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, who also serves as vice chair of Iowa’s America 250 commission,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-23-26)
This week’s export sales were better than what we’ve seen recently, but it was otherwise a muted report. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were strong once again. While the soybeans sales weren’t outstanding, McBride said they were above the...
Input costs aren’t dropping alongside inflation
General inflation has cooled off from the high points in recent years, but input costs are not following suit. Dr. Michael Langemeier is the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, and he said farm input prices don’t always follow inflation up or down....
Funding now available through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative
Funding is now available for research and development in specialty crop agriculture through a USDA support program. National Institute of Food and Agriculture Associate Director Rachel Melnick says there is more funding available compared to last year. Melnick...
