Top Stories
EPA biofuel proposal boosts soybean oil demand outlook
A proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to increase renewable fuel blending requirements through 2027 is drawing strong reactions across the agricultural sector and boosting expectations for soybean oil demand. The proposal would raise Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and encourage greater use of biomass-based diesel and other renewable fuels. Reuters reported soybean oil futures climbed following the announcement as traders anticipated increased demand from biofuel producers. The...
Eight candidates pursue title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess
Eight young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete to win the title of 71st Iowa Dairy Princess. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des...
Little flies can cause big problems
Efficient production is the key to the success of any livestock operation. It goes well beyond just the meat and dairy products that we are producing; it also is a huge factor in our herd health. As they say, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.” Or is it...
Farmers tracking pollination and disease pressure in mid-July
At this time of year, our crops are pollinating, and we need the weather to cooperate in order to make sure our yields can be as high as possible. Since we have plenty of moisture in the soil, it’s mostly up to the temperatures to cooperate. Nate Meyer, southwest Iowa...
Edge-of-field conservation practices are simple and effective
Edge-of-field conservation practices aren’t complicated, but they are highly effective at improving water quality. These can be as simple as a grass waterway or a buffer strip beside a small creek, or they can be much more intensive, like a bioreactor at the end of a...
Vilsack discusses expected record farm trade deficit
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says this year’s expected record farm trade deficit is due to a strong U.S. economy and U.S. criticism of a major trading partner, China. Vilsack says the U.S. economy’s strength, with its stronger dollar, is largely to blame for USDA’s...
U.S. soybean supply to rebound in 2024-2025 marketing year
The U.S. soybean supply for marketing year 2024-2025 is forecast at 4.8 billion bushels, eight percent higher than the previous marketing year but down 20 million bushels from last month’s forecast. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service Acreage...
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More Ag News
CLAAS continuing to support farmers as dealer network shifts
This year saw a shift in the dealer network for CLAAS, as both Ziegler and Butler Ag Equipment decided to focus their efforts and no longer carry the CLAAS line. Daryl Theis, head of sales and marketing at CLAAS, said they appreciate the long partnership they had with...
December farm income forecast shows lower 2024 numbers
The USDA’s December Farm Income Report showed only a slight change from September’s numbers. Revised estimates in the 2024 Farm Income Forecast still show agriculture taking a big financial hit this year. Danny Munch, an economist at the American Farm Bureau...
Income prospects differ for livestock vs. crop producers
The farm income bottom line is vastly different this year for livestock producers compared to row crop farmers. Spiro Stefanou, Administrator of USDA's Economic Research Service, says that USDA’s farm income forecast for this year shows crop receipts down almost...
Farm sector profits forecast to fall in 2024
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast at $149.7 billion in calendar year 2024, down by $6 billion, or 4.1 percent, relative to 2023. Inflation-adjusted farm income is forecast to drop by $9.5 billion, or 6.3 percent. Despite the predicted decline,...
Saving money on inputs doesn’t mean slash and burn
There are many conversations about how farms will save money in 2025. Producers are looking for ways to trim the budget, but cutting corners is a slippery slope. If you slash your inputs too much, your crops could be in serious danger. This year we heard many stories...
