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Costs going higher in 2027
USDA's latest Commodity Cost and Returns report shows production expenses are expected to climb for every major crop in 2026 as global energy and fertilizer market disruptions continue to ripple through agriculture. The report follows months of volatility tied to conflict involving Iran and concerns about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Higher fertilizer costs are adding pressure to already tight farm margins. The findings mirror a recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey in which...
2024 Iowa watershed award winners
Congrats to the 2024 Iowa Watershed Award winners An outstanding southwest Iowa watershed coordinator, a career schoolteacher (and part-time farmer), and a statewide team of oxbow restorers - all featured among this year's Iowa Watershed Award honorees. The Iowa...
Make sure your combine is properly prepped for fall
We have seen the first combines entering fields in Iowa for some early planted soybeans. That means it won’t be long before we start harvesting in earnest. There is still time to prepare your combine for the harvest season. The last thing you want is to break down in...
Investing in the future of farming
Farmers are the backbone of America. Without them, we wouldn’t have the food to sustain our society. But even with how important that job is, farmers can have a hard time with the finances of running a successful operation. Ben Gordon, founder and CEO of Fractal, said...
On-Farm Pork Impact Reports showcase sustainability
Consumers want to know that the pork industry is sustainable, and the National Pork Board can help with its On-Farm Pork Impact Reports. Al Wulfekuhle, president of the National Pork Board, said the reports show off the positive environmental impact of farms with...
U.S. ethanol on pace for record year of exports
Geoff Cooper is the president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association and he tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that the United States ethanol industry is projected to have a record year for ethanol exports. He says that the countries importing U.S. produced...
Washington sees coordinated push for farm bill passage
In an unusual move, commodity groups are coordinating efforts in bringing producers and other ag stakeholders to Washington, DC in an effort to get a new Farm Bill passed before the end of 2024. Agri-Pulse reports that such a cross-commodity initiative has not been...
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Foot-and-mouth disease in Germany could impact pork trade
Despite a 25% decline in production over the past decade, Germany remains a global leader in pork exports, particularly to the rest of the European Union. However, a recent detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in a water buffalo herd at a small exotic farm near...
Beef supplies tightening, how will that impact prices?
USDA released its latest publication for beef production year over year and the report provides indications regarding steer price projections for 2025. That is World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski who says the lack of cattle being imported from...
Hundreds of ag groups write Senators backing USDA Secretary Nominee Rollins
Last week, 427 national and state agricultural groups and agribusinesses sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee supporting Brooke Rollins' nomination as Agriculture Secretary and calling on the committee and entire Senate to "promptly...
Updated poultry tournament rule provides needed transparency
The USDA issued a final poultry tournament rule under the Packers & Stockyards Act this week. The American Farm Bureau Federation calls this new rule a step in the right direction. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy with AFBF, said the rule includes...
Purina enhances value-added cattle support for rancher success
With cattle markets at historically high levels, producers have a unique opportunity to fine-tune their herd's nutrition and health programs without worrying about it negatively impacting their bottom line. Now is the perfect time to reassess and update plans for the...
