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China soybean demand offers support for U.S. exports
Fresh soybean purchases by China are providing some encouragement for U.S. growers. The Wall Street Journal reports Chinese buyers have begun placing new orders for U.S. soybeans currently being planted. USDA officials say they remain optimistic China will meet previously announced purchasing commitments during the 2026 marketing year. The renewed demand comes as U.S. farmers face increased competition from record South American production. Analysts say Chinese purchases could help support...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-28-24)
While it’s not a huge market factor quite yet, there’s a notable level of dryness in Brazil. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in South America. Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, has started...
“Safety” is a way of life at Sukup
In the spring and fall we talk a lot about safety on the farm. During our busiest times of the year, it is easy to get in a hurry. Mother Nature doesn’t always give us a large window of opportunity, and you have to make hay when the sun shines. Or in our case at...
Helping soybeans stand tall with a well-rounded seed treatment
A versatile seed treatment is vital to helping farmers face early season challenges. As farmers continue the trend of planting soybeans earlier, growers are facing hurdles brought about by cool and wet weather and need solutions. The Corteva Agriscience LumiGEN® seed...
Fendt creating a more comfortable tractor experience
Productivity and efficiency are the main factors that go into most tractor decisions, but Fendt is placing more focus on the ergonomic experience as well. Since farmers spend so many hours in the tractor, it’s important to make sure they are able to feel as...
Grain Indemnity Fund assessment continuing for another year
The assessment on grain sold to or deposited at Iowa-licensed grain dealers and warehouses as part of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund (Grain Indemnity Fund) will continue for an additional year. Barring any further claims made against the fund,...
Easing red meat trade obstacles in Colombia
With support from the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently joined USDA staff in meetings with Colombian officials designed to build a better understanding of the industry both in the U.S. and Colombia. USMEF...
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More Ag News
Grassley discusses bilateral trade agreements with Ag Secretary Nominee Rollins
President-elect Trump has nominated Brooke Rollins for the post of Secretary of Agriculture and the Senate Agriculture Committee is likely to hold a hearing with Rollins soon as Congress is now back in session. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) met with...
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...
