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Soybean demand evolves beyond traditional export markets
Export markets have long been a cornerstone of demand growth for U.S. soybeans. As global populations expand and incomes rise, increasing protein consumption continues to create opportunities for soybean farmers. However, industry leaders say the future of soybean demand will depend on more than just traditional export channels. Patrick Giberson, a New Jersey farmer and member of the United Soybean Board, said the soybean industry continues looking for opportunities in both established and...
Abnormally wet weather creates difficult nitrogen decisions
The excessive rainfall in the Midwest, which is on top of an already mild winter, is increasing the risk of nitrogen and other nutrients leaching through the soil before the crops- specifically corn- can use them. As such, farmers must decide if they need to stick...
Public Lands Council accepting rolling submissions for research funding
The Public Lands Council (PLC) this week announced a rolling notice of funding availability that accompanies the existing grant funding process for Fiscal Year 2025. This two-track process allows individuals and organizations to submit proposals at any point during...
Grassley calls for common sense on SAF tax credits
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the next version of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit needs common sense, something he says is lacking in this year’s credit that’s due to run out in December. Senator Grassley says the 45Z tax credit due by the...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1 was 74.5 million head. USDA says that was up one percent from June 1, 2023, and up slightly from March 1, 2024. Breeding inventory, at 6.01 million head, was down three percent from last year and down slightly from the...
Keep your sprayers in tip-top shape
As the wet weather has us thinking about fungicides, and we plan for late-season herbicides and insecticides; it is good to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your sprayer running efficiently. Your bottom line is going to heavily weigh on this...
Smithfield foods closing its Altoona Iowa facility
Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate the production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield says it will provide transition assistance to the 314 employees at the...
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Using multiple modes of action against corn rootworm
Corn rootworm is a pest that robs farmers of yields every year. When fighting against it, though, it’s important to make sure that you’re not relying on just one method. Wen Carter, marketing manager with AMVAC, said there was a notable amount of corn rootworm...
USDA reports rising cattle feedlot placements
The key takeaway from the USDA November Cattle on Feed report is that the number of placements into feedlots remains high. That’s USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell who says that producers placed more cattle into feedlots in October than a year ago with...
Corn growers release quarterly economic update
The National Corn Growers Association’s Economic Update reported on everything from trends to challenges, opportunities, and market conditions in U.S. agriculture. The rapid 2024 harvest gives farmers an edge on any fall field preparations and more time to finalize...
USMEF seminar helps exporters navigate Cuban market
After many years of having a minimal presence in the market, U.S. red meat is gaining traction in Cuba, due in part to an expansion of private sector buying. To help U.S. suppliers capitalize on this opportunity, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently held...
The dangers of SCN resistance
When discussing the tools available to combat Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN), we often talk about two modes of action. PI88788 & PEKING. These two weapons have been the two most effective tools we have. However, there are drawbacks when we look at their...
