Top Stories
Iowa farmers unlikely to see diesel relief from Venezuelan oil
Recent headlines surrounding Venezuela and its oil supply have raised questions across rural America, especially after the United States intervened in the country, removed a leader many viewed as a dictator, and announced it would temporarily control Venezuela’s oil production. On the surface, more oil in global markets often sparks talk of lower fuel prices. But for Iowa farmers watching diesel costs ahead of fieldwork, planting, and grain hauling, experts say Venezuelan crude is unlikely to...
Despite political turmoil in South Korea, U.S. red meat demand remains strong
Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested and indicted after briefly imposing martial law in December. Yoon also faces an impeachment trial that will determine if he is formally removed from office. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice...
Breakthrough BRD vaccine could save U.S. cattle industry $1 billion in costs
U.S. cattle supplies have been at historically low levels. This is made even worse by bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which kills an estimated 8 million calves every year. Fortunately, a professor from Louisiana State University has been working on a solution to the...
Cattle on feed report shows lower placements
The first USDA Cattle on Feed report for the year shows lower placement of cattle on feedlots compared to the same period last year. That is USDA livestock economist Mike McConnell. 11.8 million head of cattle were on feedlots as of January 1st which is a 1% decline...
Ethanol production rises in mid-January
Ethanol output rose during the seven days ending on January 17 as inventories climbed to their highest level in nine months. Data from the Energy Information Administration says production increased to an average of 1.099 million barrels a day, up from 1.095 million...
LG Seeds preparing Iowa farmers for 2025
The past few years in agriculture have been nothing short of tumultuous, with Iowa standing at the forefront of weather extremes. From historic floods to unprecedented droughts, farmers have faced shifting conditions that have tested their resilience and adaptability....
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-24-25)
While both the corn and soybean numbers were within the range of estimates in this week’s export sales report, they were still higher than the 5-year average. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. McBride said...
Video
More Ag News
Sticking with financial plans during economic volatility
It’s no secret that the economy is extremely volatile right now. Things were looking pretty grim after President Trump announced his plan for widespread tariffs, and now the markets have shot back up following his announcement today that the retaliatory tariffs will...
There’s nothing micro about the importance of micronutrients
Micronutrients play a huge role in the success of our crops, especially here in the Corn Belt. Tim Laatsch, North America director of agronomy with Koch Agronomic Services, said a deficiency in micronutrients impacts the overall health and potential yield of both corn...
Optimizing the planting season for a strong start
Planting season has already started for some of the warmer portions of the United States and it won’t be long before farmers in Iowa cross the start line and begin planting crops. Paul Sauer is a product manager for Helena Ag and covers the northern portion of Iowa....
NPPC Praises Sens. Ernst and Grassley’s efforts to avert pork industry crisis
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released the following statement after U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Food Security and Farm...
Dairy’s quiet comeback: Signs of strength and hope ahead
After enduring years of challenges marked by fluctuating prices and shifting consumer trends, the dairy industry has recently shown signs of renewed strength. Improved demand, stabilizing input costs, and a growing global appetite for dairy products have all...
