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Young farmers and ranchers have a unique leadership opportunity
Young farmers and ranchers should mark their calendars for March 13–16 for the upcoming Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference. Bev Flatt, a Tennessee farmer and member of the American Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee, said attendees will have a lot to look forward to. Flatt said this conference is unique because it’s designed specifically for young farmers and ranchers. Based on her own experiences, Flatt said conference attendees will learn a lot. This year’s conference will be held...
Mild Iowa winter could lead to insect pressure
Despite the recent snowfall and extreme cold, the state of Iowa is in the midst of a relatively mild winter by Iowa’s standards. While day-to-day life is helped by mild winter weather, it can also have negative knock-on effects for the 2025 growing season. Adrienne...
Legislation would allow year-round E15 sale
Senators Chuck Grassley and Deb Fischer of Iowa, both Senate Ag Committee members, reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The legislation is currently the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleash the power of E15, which would...
Farmers must understand macroeconomy to secure their future
For generations, farmers have focused on weather patterns, soil health, and market prices, but today, they realize that the broader macroeconomy plays a crucial role in their success. Interest rates, inflation, and global trade policies now shape everything from input...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-18-25)
While the dry weather in Brazil is still helping out with harvest progress, it will create problems for the second crop corn that is being planted right behind the combines if it persists for too long. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the...
Future of Food for Peace program uncertain without USAID
Food for Peace, a 70-year-old program that was signed into law by President Eisenhower and championed by Kansas Senator Bob Dole, is now in question as President Trump moves to dismantle USAID over concerns of alleged corruption and mismanagement. Looking to save Food...
Less corn production expected from South American nations
South American corn production forecasts were adjusted lower in the February USDA WASDE report. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the weather is to blame in Argentina. Brazil’s corn production forecast was also reduced by 1 million tons says...
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South American Weather and Crop Update (4-29-25)
Drier conditions are returning to South America, which is typical at this time of year. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there is some light rain in the forecast for Brazil. Argentina is more definitively dry, which is good for harvest and...
NCBA provides update on status of New World screwworm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was notified late last fall about the detection of New World screwworm in Mexico. Since then, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has worked closely with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)...
NRCS celebrates 90 years of service
The 90th anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service was recognized Friday in ceremonies at USDA headquarters in Washington DC. NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt says the NRCS has played a large role in conservation efforts nationwide, but that work was also...
Off-farm income keeping some operations afloat
For most U.S. farm households, income from off-farm jobs like teaching, driving a bus, or managing a bank branch helps keep an operation running. In 2023, an AFBF Market Intel Report says 23 percent of farm household income for farm families comes from farming itself,...
IDALS supports urban & rural initiatives for clean water
As we kick off National Soil and Water Conservation Week, we realize that water quality has long been a hot-button issue in Iowa, drawing attention from communities across the state. While much of the spotlight has been on how farmers are working to protect and...
