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Central Iowa farm demonstrates potential of water conservation practices
Earlier this week, the Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership hosted a field day to celebrate a new on-farm wetland at the Helland Family Farm near Madrid, Iowa. This wetland is particularly notable due to its proximity to the Des Moines metro and its ability to serve as an example to the public and other farmers. Jeff Lucas, executive director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, said a lot of the Helland Farm is designed to provide benefits downstream. Lucas said it is important to stay...
Mother Nature is coming down hard on wheat producers
While there isn?t a lot of wheat in the state of Iowa, there is some. However, no matter how much wheat we produce in our state, wheat has a pretty big influence on the temperament our corn and soybean markets have on any given day. Their wins and losses tend to take...
EPA sending biofuel blending mandates to White House
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to send the long-awaited 2020-2022 biofuel blending mandates to the White House early this week. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the White House would then be working through a final review of the...
Rural Mainstreet Index remains positive for now
The Rural Mainstreet Index for April was just released, and while its numbers are good, they are showing signs of what may be coming. April came in at a 62, which is still in growth territory but is down over three percentage points from March. So, there isn?t a lot...
China Ambassador Qin Gang talks U.S. agriculture and the future of U.S.-China relations
Several Chinese ag leaders were able to make the trip to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates last week. The most prominent guest among them was China Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang. He continued the theme of friendship during his opening remarks.Ambassador Gang...
Senate Ag Committee holds first Farm Bill hearing
Today, the Senate Ag Committee was in Michigan to hold their first 2023 Farm Bill hearing. Michigan is the home of Ag Committee Chair Senator Debbie Stabenow.We are facing quite a difference heading to 2023 than we were going towards 2018. Senator Stabenow highlights...
The sweet-smelling business of manure
Yes, you read that right. Manure has certainly become a big business and another great source of income for livestock producers. We see all kinds being used. Cattle, hogs, and poultry manures are prized for their offsetting of high-priced fertilizer inputs.However,...
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Ethanol industry could face significant roadblocks this year
A new year and a new Congress bring new challenges for the ethanol industry, especially when it comes to making significant progress. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said that, unfortunately, he doesn?t see things changing too much with a...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-3-23)
It?s a new year, but we?re still seeing the same issues down in South America. Argentina still doesn?t have an adequate amount of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided an update on the latest weather patterns for Brazil and Argentina.At this point,...
Closing Market Podcast- Bill Moore PRICE Futures Group- 1-3-23
Riley Smith talks with Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group.
The importance of choosing the correct crop insurance plan
With input costs high and the constant threat of weather events, it is important to make the right decisions with regards to crop insurance.At the Farmers Business Network?s - Farmer 2 Farmer conference in early December Eric Sorensen, FBN director of crop insurance,...
Midday Market Podcast- John Heinberg- 1-3-23
Soybeans close the 2022 year over $15 for the first time ever. However, 2023 has started off in the red across the board. Mark Magnuson talks with John Heinberg of Total Farm Marketing in today's podcast.
