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New report showcases positive impacts of biofuels on ag productivity
U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action's recent report from S&P Global Energy shows biofuels' potential for boosting farm profitability and rural economies. For Chip Bowling, vice chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, expanding the market for biofuels is vital, as they present a unique opportunity for creating a long-term market-driven demand that rewards farmers from modern practices while revitalizing rural economies. Bowling added that the declining numbers of farms between 2002...
2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show a success
Once again, the 2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, went beyond the wildest dreams of those involved and raised an unofficial total of around $568,000.00 for this year’s auction following the show. Everyone...
GCSS contestants give back to the Ronald McDonald House
Every year, exhibitors for the Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair help to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Exhibitors today went to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa in Des Moines to help with some cleanup and...
Senator Grassley visits the Iowa State Fair, talks ag issues
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made his annual visit to the Iowa State Fair on Friday and stopped by to discuss the latest Iowa ag issues. Grassley tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network that he has made at least one visit to the Iowa State Fair each...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-9-24)
Export sales were good again this week, but it’s still too little, too late for old crop numbers. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. On the new crop side of things, McBride said they would like to see higher...
Seven farmers elected to Iowa Soybean Association board of directors
Seven farmers, including two incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of...
Iowa Agriculture on full display at the Iowa State Fair
We have been discussing for the past few days and weeks how the Iowa State Fair is a showcase for agriculture, which happens to be the state’s leading industry. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig always calls it the “Super Bowl of Iowa Agriculture.” As I sit here writing...
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Mexico GMO corn ban found to violate USMCA
This year will end on a high note for U.S. corn growers as they take a victory in the trade dispute with Mexico. In February 2023, the Mexican government put out two decrees that dealt with corn imports from the U.S. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government...
Margins improving for many hog producers
On Monday USDA published the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report. Based on the numbers from the quarterly report, hog producers are maintaining balance between production and demand. USDA livestock analyst, Michael McConnell says that margins improved for producers...
U.S. cattle on feed down slightly
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 12 million head on December 1, 2024. That inventory level was slightly below December 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots during November...
Argentina sees more soybeans this year
We watch what happens with our neighbors in South America regarding crop production and its effects on our markets. Brazil is the largest soybean producer and exporter in the world, and Argentina is one of our largest corn competitors. Their production capabilities...
Third stopgap passes with farm, disaster aid
The third time was the charm, as the House and then the Senate passed stopgap funding legislation with farm and disaster aid to avert a midnight Friday government shutdown late last week. The legislation passed 366 to 34, clearing a two-thirds ‘yes’ vote threshold to...
