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Managing weeds during unpredictable spring weather
As we have seen over the past couple weeks, the weather in Iowa can change on a dime. According to NOAA, that variability will continue throughout the 2026 spring season. This can make weed management even more difficult- drier areas will have to be mindful of choosing herbicides with crop safety, and residual protection will be extra important for the areas that receive more rainfall. Dalton Webster, eastern Iowa agronomic services representative with Syngenta, said growers need to make sure...
U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures....
Signup period for Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends this week
The signup deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program ends on Thursday, February 26. Trey Forsyth, the vice president of government and regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation, said the DMC has been improved by multiple changes. Forsyth said...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-24-26)
With all of the uncertainty in the U.S. ag marketplace, South America may be positioned to take some global market share back. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the latest weather forecasts look mostly good for their crops. McBride said harvest progress in...
Naig highlights Iowa results as E15 access grows
As questions continue in Washington about the future of year-round E15, Iowa leaders say the state is already seeing what expanded access can do. From more fuel choices at the pump to stronger demand for corn, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa’s...
Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
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BASF introduces new low carbon intensity crops
With current proposed 45Z tax credit framework, common agricultural practices like cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management may impact the carbon intensity (CI) of the crops that are raised as feedstock. However, inconsistent data collection methods,...
USDA Secretary Rollins provides update on U.S.-Mexico border closure
On Thursday at the Commodity Classic farm show in San Antonio Texas, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins provided an update on the U.S.-Mexico border which remains closed for the importation of cattle from Mexico. Feeder cattle from Mexico remain unable to cross the border...
U.S. Export Sales Report (2-27-26)
For as good as the export sales have been recently- especially for this time of year- they were bound to have a down week eventually. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn export sales were weaker this time around. Soybeans saw lower sales as well, but...
Farm incomes drop despite abundant harvests
Farm incomes generally decreased across the Federal Reserve Bank’s Ninth District. That’s according to lenders responding to the fourth quarter Ag Credit Survey by the Minneapolis Fed. Lenders also reported that purchases of capital inputs fell, though farm household...
Iowa Corn pushes farmer voice on tariffs
The Iowa Corn Growers Association took a focused set of priorities to this year’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress, with trade policy, nitrogen tools, and access to clean fuel tax credits topping the list. ICGA President Mark Mueller says the...
