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Bankruptcy filings signal ongoing farm financial stress
Farm bankruptcies across the country remain at levels not seen since the disruptions of the COVID era, and legal experts say that should concern producers and lenders alike. While the pace of filings this year is similar to last year, that does not mean the farm economy is in the clear. Austin Peiffer, an attorney with Ag and Business Legal Strategies in Hiawatha, says the numbers remain elevated compared to historical norms. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports there were at least 158...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-17-24)
Much like what we are seeing here in Iowa, the weather in South America is still quite dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. While it is early to be getting too worried about the weather’s impact...
Budget battle limiting legislative work for farmers
With elections looming, the Congressional calendar is tight. Right now, Congress is locked in a funding battle. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the deadline is quickly approaching. Buckman says a continuing...
Navigating tough weather conditions with a more stable form of nitrogen
One of the biggest memories of the 2024 growing season in Iowa will be the extremely wet start to the season. With plentiful rainfall that quickly replenished Iowa’s soil, eventually some areas in the state became oversaturated with water. When there is too much rain...
Mississippi River levels falling again
For the third consecutive year, Mississippi River water levels are falling again, making shipping goods difficult. Farm Policy News says the low levels are forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits. It was...
NK excited about new BT traits that will be ready for 2026
Keeping ahead of pests in our fields is a never-ending job. Having new tools to fight against the toughest pests requires constant innovation. This is especially true when you are fighting against the billion-dollar pest, corn rootworm. NK Seeds has announced a new...
Iowa ag industry represented on USMEF trip to Japan
Last week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation brought twenty-one representatives from the U.S. beef, pork, corn, and soy sectors on a trip to Japan to see the promotional work that is being done for U.S. red meat in overseas markets. The delegation, known as the USMEF...
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Make financial planning part of your new year resolutions
Many of us are still working towards our new year resolutions, and a lot of those resolutions are centered around the financial side of our lives. For farmers, an estate plan can offer massive benefits down the road. Matt Roberts, chief planning officer with Syverson...
Soy industry welcomes longshoreman deal
U.S. longshoremen reached a contract agreement with ports and shippers earlier this month, averting a potential strike that could have damaged the American economy and hurt agriculture. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said he's...
Aaron Juergens named president of Iowa Pork Producers Association
Aaron Juergens, a hog producer from Carroll Iowa, has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Juergens was named president this week at the IPPA annual meeting at Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. Juergens manages over 100,000...
Farm costs in 2025
A recent poll asked farmers where they plan to cut costs. Equipment purchases topped the list, but farmers also plan to scale back on fertilizer rates, use more generic products and reduce tillage or field passes. The theme that consumed the crops side of agriculture...
Rollins receives endorsement before today’s Senate appearance
A former Trump administration advisor, Brooke Rollins is awaiting Senate confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. She will be before the Senate today. While her nomination has drawn praise from some conservative circles, many in the agricultural industry...
