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Farmers get less than six cents of every dollar spent on food
Data from the U.S. Economic Research Service’s Food Dollar Series provides a clear picture of how consumer food spending is distributed across the U.S. food supply chain. The latest estimates show that crop producers capture about 2.5 cents of every food dollar, down from 2.9 cents in 2023. Livestock producers receive about 3.3 cents, up from three cents a year earlier. Combined, U.S. farmers and ranchers account for about 5.8 cents of the total value added in the food system, down from 5.9...
Synchronizing cows brings stronger herd performance and profit
Cattle producers looking to boost profitability may find new value in narrowing their calving window. Recent data from Merck Animal Health shows that synchronizing cow herds can lead to more uniform calf crops and higher returns when it is time to sell. The research...
Corn farmers are seeing the effects of Southern Rust as they harvest
Harvest is continuing to roll along across the state, and while corn yields may initially appear disappointing, the numbers that are coming in are still good. This is made especially true when you consider the presence of diseases this year as well. Southern Iowa LG...
Farm aid package details scarce as the shutdown delays action
The details of the farm aid package for farmers are scarce as the government shutdown has delayed the announcement of aid to farmers and how the payments will be funded. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the trade aid package on Wednesday....
Iowa Beef grant brings real-world nutrition to the classroom
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) Beef Grant Program is fueling the next generation with knowledge and beef! Over 85 schools participated this past year, reaching 13,000 students through hands-on cooking labs and nutrition education. The program provides up to...
98th National FFA Convention heading to Indianapolis this month
One of agriculture’s biggest annual events gets underway at the end of the month in Indianapolis. The 98th FFA National Convention and Expo will take place Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, bringing more than 70,000 ag students in blue corduroy jackets to the Hoosier State....
Financial stress, flexible solutions: Nutrien helps farmers adapt
On Monday, we looked at the pressures weighing on farmers as high interest rates, shifting lending practices, and tighter margins challenged the financial side of agriculture. Those concerns left one clear takeaway: producers will need reliable tools to navigate an...
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AFBF recognizes Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient
A retired Army veteran is the second winner of the American Farm Bureau Federation Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award, presented with the support of Farm Credit, goes to retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina, who had an...
Soybean meal promotes herd health for U.S. swine
With the FY2026 budget approved, the United Soybean Board (USB) is looking forward to continuing to drive soybean demand for U.S. soybean farmers. The majority of that demand comes from the livestock industry, where soybean products can be used to enhance feedstocks....
September soybean crush likely sets record
A new Reuters poll said soybean processors likely crushed a record number of soybeans in September as new facilities ramp up operations. That poll took place as market watchers continued relying on private estimates during the government shutdown. According to a note...
Putting safety first when managing manure systems
Manure from hog operations is a renewable, sustainable resource that adds significant value to agricultural systems. However, as with all aspects of agriculture, safety is the first priority when managing manure systems says Marguerite Tan, director of environmental...
Fall tillage and field angles matter for Iowa soybeans
It has been a smooth fall across most of Iowa, with combines running steadily and fields opening up early. Harvest went about as well as anyone could hope for, but that does not mean the season was without its challenges. Disease pressure was the bigger story in 2025,...
