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South American Weather and Crop Update (7-7-26)
Not much has changed with the weather in South America, as dry conditions are persisting across the growing regions of the continent. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. McBride said progress for the safrinha corn harvest in Brazil is still in its early stages. Corn harvest in Argentina is just past the halfway point and is continuing to progress nicely. The team at Allendale can be reached by calling 800-262-7538, or you can...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-7-24)
The U.S. markets are keeping a close eye on the weather in South America in the event that they see some crop issues, but right now the weather is looking to be rainy and supportive of their current crops. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the...
Marketing cattle can be challenging in January
The cattle market had a great year in 2024, and while things aren’t abysmal suddenly in January, it’s not a particularly strong time either. Scott Varilek of KKV Trading in Sioux Center, Iowa, said January typically isn’t the best month to market cattle. Varilek said...
Looking at tar spot in 2025
Every growing season brings us challenges. I wouldn’t call them “new” or “different” challenges for the most part. Most of them are things we have seen before but in different levels and combinations. While disease pressure is not anything new, tar spot has become a...
HPAI detected in a multi-species backyard flock in Clinton County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in...
Practical Farmers of Iowa supporting cover crop businesses
For many years, farmers have learned about the benefits of cover crops on their farms. There are plenty of cover crop seed and application businesses to help farmers utilize cover crops, but those businesses can be tough to run and develop, especially if the owners...
Second Trump administration could bring change to trade relations
Will a second administration of President Donald Trump bring progress on trade negotiations with key global partners? U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said exporters will be watching discussions with all trading partners, but...
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More Ag News
Grassley discusses trade war impact on Iowa’s farmers
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was in Iowa this week to continue his yearly 99 county tour with question-and-answer sessions during his stops. Senator Grassley says he was asked by Iowans about the potential for payments to farmers impacted by trade...
Egg production down year-over-year
U.S. egg production totaled 8.63 billion in March 2025, a 7% drop from the same month last year. That figure includes 7.35 billion table eggs and 1.28 billion hatching eggs — with 1.18 billion from broiler-type hens and 104 million from egg-type hens. The average...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-25-25)
The export sales might seem a little low this week, but getting any sales with the state of the global economy and President Trump’s tariffs is a good thing. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn export numbers from the USDA....
Congress must act to protect family farms
Farmers and ranchers could face higher estate taxes if Congress fails to act before the end of the year. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains provisions that are set to end in 2025, many of which are beneficial to farmers and ranchers. Samantha Ayoub, an associate...
More farmers are tapping into the power of AI
As agricultural technology continues to evolve, farmers are finding faster and more accurate ways to produce their goods. Among the latest tools gaining traction in the farming community is AI, a technology once known mostly for helping students with research or...
