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Rural Mainstreet Index turns negative
The August Rural Mainstreet Index covering a multi-state region shows one-fifth of grain farmers will experience a negative cash flow in 2025. For the seventh time this year, the overall regional economic index sank below growth-neutral, falling to 38.5 in September, down from 48.1 in August. Also, for the 16th time in the past 17 months, farmland prices sank below growth-neutral. Elevated interest rates, higher input costs, and below breakeven prices caused the downward pressure on farmland....
Secretary Naig presents 2023 renewable fuels marketing awards
DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 10, 2023) ? Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that Growmark FS and Kwik Trip | Kwik Star are the winners of the 2023 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. The awards were created to recognize fuel marketers that have gone above...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-10-23)
The immediate forecast for Argentina is still dry, but more extended forecasts show some moisture finally returning to the area. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided an update on the latest weather patterns for Brazil and Argentina.McBride said this rain...
Improving return on investment through farm management
The Peoples? Company Land Investment Expo took place in Des Moines this week at the Iowa Events Center. The land conference features ag professionals and business leaders as they discuss the trends in land investment and management.Eric Geiger, a land manager with...
U.S. pork industry learns more about battling FADs
A recent trip to the European Union allowed those in the pork industry to see firsthand how the U.S. industry can continue to prevent and prepare for a foreign animal disease outbreak. Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, along with...
CNH workers say no to proposed contract
United Auto Workers at Case New Holland Plants in Burlington, Iowa, and Racine, Wisconsin, voted down a contract proposal on Saturday night that would have ended a strike. The president of UAW Local 807 says 45 percent voted yes, and 55 percent voted no to the offer....
Growth Energy?s Emily Skor testifies on EPA?s ?set?
The EPA announced its biofuels rules and production targets late last year. These are part of a group of rules called ?the set.? Today The EPA heard public comments from stakeholders in the fuel and agriculture industries.From the ethanol side of the equation, there...
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Drought conditions have helped mitigate tar spot
We never want to see drought conditions, but there are some silver linings when that happens. For example, the lack of moisture has limited the growth of tar spot across most of the state this year. Lauren Botine, Channel technical agronomist, said she’s had a tough...
Power of Associations Summit Award recognizes AFBF’s Harvest for All Program
Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All Program recently received the Power of Associations Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives. Matt Fimon, AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair, said the program helps address hunger in rural America.“So, the Harvest...
Senator Ernst talks Farm Bill progress & foreign ownership of U.S. land
Earlier this week we heard from House Ag Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania about his estimate for the progress of the Farm Bill. As the Congress recesses for its annual August break, the future of the Farm Bill is in limbo as far as Congressman Thompson...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-27-23)
This week’s export sales were, once again, not remarkable enough to make a noticeable impact on the markets today. Allendale commodity broker Mike Lung provided an update on the numbers.Lung said there were also some flash sales this morning.While the price disparity...
NPPC releases third quarter economic update
The National Pork Producers Council released its Q3 Economic Update. NPPC Economist Holly Cook said this report dives into the consequences of Prop 12 and other factors affecting pork prices.“NPPC’s Quarterly Economic Update provides a snapshot of current market...
