Top Stories
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 impacts on farmers through higher energy costs, including fertilizer, diesel fuel, natural gas, and propane. While energy costs are one concern, Olson said geopolitical events can also influence grain prices through financial...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-13-25)
Despite a slight miss to the corn sales, the grain numbers from this week’s export sales were positive for the marketplace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. McBride said the markets will keep a close eye on...
Farm lenders and insurers implore ag lawmakers for new farm bill
Farm lenders, insurers, and growers pleaded with Senate Ag lawmakers to pass a new farm bill now with improved crop insurance, reference prices, and loan programs. That is Ben Noble, a former Senate staffer and head of Arkansas’ Riceland Foods. Caleb Hopkins with...
Urban farmers can apply for cost-share to boost beneficial insects
Urban farmers can now get cost-share and technical support to boost beneficial insect habitat on their farms through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s and Xerces Society’s beneficial insects cost-share. Sign-ups are now open and available until funding runs out. “Urban...
New NPPC President looks ahead to a busy term
The National Pork Industry Forum is one of the most important industry events of the year. The event, which is a joint annual business meeting of the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board, is taking place right now in Orlando, Florida. Duane...
Data-driven success with GHX
In today’s challenging agricultural economy, farmers must leverage every piece of data available to maximize their return on investment. Programs like GHX from Golden Harvest are empowering growers by providing data-driven insights to select the right hybrids,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-12-25)
The weather in South America has once again flipped to a drier cycle, but this will actually be helpful since some areas in Brazil actually received excessive amounts of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns....
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More Ag News
Strong piglets are the key to raising more profitable pigs
Producers are always striving to raise pigs to reach their full growth potential. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is ensuring that young pigs get a good start to maximize their potential. Alex Hintz is a technical service representative with the swine...
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members to welcome guests for the Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members from across Iowa will welcome guests on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, for the first ever Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl. This fun weekend event offers Iowans and tourists an opportunity to explore diverse agricultural offerings,...
Pork sector not immune to Screwworm danger
The New World Screwworm is once again drawing attention as it creeps closer to the U.S. border. While it hasn’t been found in the United States, recent cases further south have raised red flags across the livestock industry. Because this flesh-eating parasite can...
Full extent of effects of tariffs on ag economy is still unknown
The impact of tariffs on consumers is well known. As we pay more to import certain products, consumers are having to compensate for that by paying more at the register. Things are not so clear when it comes to the effects that tariffs have on exports. We know that...
Optimizing feed safety by mitigating risks
Pig health is always front and center at World Pork Expo in Des Moines as ag groups, agribusiness, and producers come together to learn about the latest technologies and management practices for raising healthy animals. The Iowa Ag Radio Network spoke with Mark...
