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Farm financial concerns temper improving farmer confidence
Farmer confidence improved slightly in October, but concerns about farm finances continue to weigh on producers as they evaluate their financial performance and prepare for another growing season. The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows some improvement in overall sentiment, even as farmers remain cautious about working capital, balance sheets, and major investments. For Iowa producers, those concerns are particularly relevant as lower commodity prices and continued...
Iowa FFA member receives national award
At this year’s National FFA Convention, an Iowa FFA member was recognized for going above and beyond in their agriscience research. Tessa Tauke, from the Beckman Catholic FFA Chapter in Dyersville, Iowa, was named as this year’s National FFA American Star Award Winner...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-29-26)
This week has been mostly quiet in the ag marketplace, and that was reinforced by this week’s export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were uneventful, which is not what they need right now. McBride said the soybean sales were strong...
Investments in rural America
USDA Rural Development investments during the past fiscal year demonstrate the diverse areas of support for rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith gives the data for the past fiscal year. Smith says that...
Fertilizer prices continue rising as farmers prepare for 2027 growing season
Fertilizer prices continued climbing in October, adding pressure to American farmers already struggling with tight profit margins and elevated production expenses. According to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey, seven of eight major fertilizers increased in price...
Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
Trade policy affecting farmer voting decisions nationwide
Midterm elections are less than a week away, and the farm community has been a hot topic among many of the candidates running for office. There are many ag issues to consider, but one of the most impactful issues from the federal government has been the Trump...
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Channel Seed helps update barns at Louisa County fairgrounds
Our state’s county fairs are at the heart of our local communities, and many of those fairs have been around for a long time. As such, those buildings also need updates as time takes its toll. When Louisa County’s old livestock barns became unsafe, several local...
Tough week of trade in the cattle markets
Across the industry most analysts pointed to the October Cattle on Feed Report as mostly friendly, however the markets this week were anything but positive for the cattle trade. Both the live and feeder cattle markets experienced sizable losses for the week. Matt...
NASS taking steps to provide more accurate crop numbers
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently had to correct the numbers from the September Crop Production Estimates report. However, a lot of the damage has already been done by this point, as the inaccurate numbers caused some of the largest...
USDA estimates diesel tax relief could save agriculture $640 million
USDA says temporary diesel fuel tax relief could save American farmers and transportation operators more than $640 million during the current agricultural harvest season. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday that 31 states have taken or announced...
Iowa farmers reminded not to rush fall fertilizer
As October comes to an end, Iowa farmers are feeling the pressure to finish harvest and complete fall fieldwork before winter weather arrives. However, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is reminding producers that the urgency to finish harvest should not...
