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Behind the disease insects crept through Iowa corn
Southern rust dominated the conversation during the 2025 growing season in Iowa, forcing growers to react quickly to unexpected disease pressure. But while disease grabbed most of the attention, other problems were quietly developing in the field. Insects and weeds continued to threaten yield and grain quality, often without drawing the same level of attention. Todd Cogdill with FMC says insect pressure in particular, expanded in parts of Iowa during the 2025 season. Western bean cutworm has...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-6-26)
Now is the time where the crops in Brazil are in a critical growth stage, so the markets across the globe are keeping an eye on the weather. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there has been a good amount of rain so far, which is what they need. The...
Bayer offering high-quality vegetable seeds for FFA chapters
FFA chapters have a fresh opportunity to boost their spring fundraisers, thanks to a new partnership between Seminis® vegetable seeds and Ball Seed®. The Plant-Powered Fundraiser Program gives chapters discounted access to professional-grade vegetable seeds, helping...
Saving money on paper can still lead to losses in the field
The 2025 crop season had a little bit of everything in Iowa. A lot of moisture early and dry conditions in August. Southern rust pressure throughout the state and weed pressure from persistent weeds such as waterhemp. The takeaway? Even if you think you are saving...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association honors 2025 award winners
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, named the 2025 Producer of the Year and 2025 Hall of Fame award winners at their annual convention in mid-December. It is with great pleasure that they...
Global demand growing for U.S. Soybeans outside China
For the past several months, the United States and China have been uneasy trade partners when it comes to soybeans. There is technically an agreement in place, and China has made some purchases, but it has not exactly been the most reliable relationship. That...
Farmers should take more time to market grain
With the current market conditions and overseas trade challenges, many farmers are holding onto their grain for the right time to sell. But holding grain longer brings challenges that can impact its overall quality and value. Even small declines in quality and small...
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More Ag News
Will the January WASDE report feature a yield reduction?
The January USDA WASDE report will be released on Monday January 12th and right now market analysts are leaning towards an expectation for a yield cut to corn and or soybeans. How much of a cut is still to be determined, if it happens at all, but last year’s January...
USDA is officially caught up on export sales
With the latest numbers released on Monday, the USDA is now officially caught up on export sales. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the reports came out a little slower than expected due to the holidays, but we are now fully caught up, especially with this...
Secretary Rollins announces new slate of political appointments to USDA
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply...
North American Bee Strategy aims to improve honeybee health
Honeybee colonies in the U.S. experienced significant losses in 2024, with an estimated 55% of managed colonies reported as lost from April 2024 to April 2025. That is the highest loss rate since tracking began in 2010. In response, the Honey Bee Health Coalition...
Iowa Electric Co-ops stress storm safety
Winter weather in Iowa can turn quickly. Snow, wind, and bitter cold often arrive with little mercy, and when they do, travel and power reliability can both become concerns. That is why the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives is reminding rural residents to stay...
