Top Stories
Weather will affect how much disease pressure we see in 2026
Due to the beautiful weather we have seen in Iowa recently, which has included some cool and wet nights, tar spot has already been detected in some fields across the state. However, this week’s much hotter temperatures should suppress any additional pressure from tar spot for the time being. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said the weather in July will play a huge role in determining what disease pressure we will see this crop season. Southern rust, which became a...
What is the outlook for meat exports in 2025?
We have had a solid year, once again, for red meat exports in 2024. Many folks are working hard behind the scenes to sustain and strengthen our existing markets and putting the same efforts into cultivating new trade opportunities around the globe. The U.S. Meat...
Biologicals provide most benefit for producers with a supplemental approach
The biological market has expanded very quickly in recent years and biological companies are striving to demonstrate their value to producers as part of a supplemental crop plan. Brent Lackey is the head of biologicals product marketing with Syngenta and he says that...
Recent rains soaking deep into the soil profile
After one of the driest starts in recorded history for October, the end of the month brought plenty of rain. At this point, the weather is now continuing with a wetter pattern. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, gave an update on the latest conditions. Since...
Adding value to the U.S. pork industry through innovation
Research-backed innovation uses technology, consumer trends and cuts to add value to the product. Kevin Sheehan, director of processor engagement at the National Pork Board, said innovation has been very beneficial to the packer side of the industry. Sheehan said...
Tractor manufacturers slow production as demand declines
As farmers struggle with low crop prices, relatively high interest rates and increased input costs, fewer are making big-ticket purchases like tractors, combines and farm implements, resulting in a backlog of inventory across the globe. Machinery manufacturer AGCO has...
What would a major animal disease response look like?
We talk at length about the diseases that affect the livestock industry, whether it is H5N1, PRRS, or BRD. One of the things we have been blessed to not discuss, though, is African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other foreign animal disease (FAD) of that caliber. We know...
Video
More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-12-25)
The weather in South America has once again flipped to a drier cycle, but this will actually be helpful since some areas in Brazil actually received excessive amounts of rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns....
Government shutdown would have massive impacts on agriculture
Friday is the deadline to get a government funding bill passed through Congress and to President Trump’s desk to avoid a government shutdown. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the duration of a possible...
USDA forecasts for milk production and price projections in 2025
USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum helps to provide milk production and price projections, by product and category, for the year ahead. At the recent 2025 Ag Outlook Forum, USDA dairy analyst Peyton Ferrier predicted an overall milk production increase. He says...
Secretary Naig announces 15 Choose Iowa dairy innovation grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that 15 Iowa dairy projects have been awarded Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants. The cost-share grants will help expand on-farm dairy processing and incorporate labor saving technology, both of which will help...
Agriculture in limbo: Farmers grapple with tariff uncertainty
The Trump Administration's back-and-forth actions on tariffs with Canada and Mexico have left the agriculture industry grappling with uncertainty and anxiety. Combined with ongoing tariffs on China and subsequent retaliatory measures, farmers are feeling the squeeze...
