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USDA reports new screwworm cases in Texas, New Mexico
Additional cases of New World Screwworm have now been confirmed in both Texas and New Mexico, prompting USDA to further expand its response efforts. During a briefing on Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined the latest detections and provided an update on the federal government's eradication strategy. The latest confirmations include cases in Texas and what is now considered the first New Mexico detection after the USDA determined an infested dog initially reported in Texas actually...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-11-24)
It’s been yet another week of dry weather in South America. We’ll see later this week if the USDA or CONAB adjust their projections based on this. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. There’s going to be some rain in...
Potential farm bill provisions outlined in Senate proposals
Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman have now both offered outlines of the farm bill for consideration. Joby Young, the executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, listed some of the key provisions in the...
BASF unveils Nemasphere, a new nematode resistance trait
On Monday, BASF unveiled the first and only biotechnology trait for Soybean Cyst Nematode, called Nemashphere. The new trait will provide growers with SCN resistance without limiting yield potential. SCN is the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans in the United...
Get ready for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol
Iowa Corn is proud to be the entitlement partner of the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in the state, happening this weekend in Newton, Iowa. The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, will showcase the performance of ethanol at the fastest short-track on the planet,...
Mexico’s new President brings hope of improved ag trade
Mexico has just elected a new President. Claudia Sheinbaum is the President-Elect, and already there is a new hope that we will be able to improve some of the Ag trade relations we have with our southern neighbor. Mexico has been the focus of the corn industry in...
Legislation creating uncertainty for pork producers
When California’s Prop 12 legislation was enacted into law to begin 2024 it signaled a major change for the pork production industry with one state enacting a law that determined how pork was raised across the country. For pork products to be sold in California they...
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World Food Prize laureates receive their honor
World Food Prize week in Iowa culminated last Thursday with the award of what is considered the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.” The laureate awards were awarded to two advocates of plant genetic diversity and global seed banks. World Food Prize Foundation President...
Farm loans soar as ag economy deteriorates
Farmers are taking out loans at a rate and scale not seen in years as weakened crop prices weigh on the agricultural sector, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The volume of new operating loans increased at its fastest pace since 2017,...
Rural Mainstreet Index showing lackluster results
The economy has been in a weird place. The DOW is strong, the dollar is strong, job numbers seem better than anticipated, and consumers are still paying for what they want. However, buying power is lower because prices are higher. Look no further than your local...
TN visa program is a key part of the ag labor force
With agricultural labor challenges across the entire sector, some farmers and ranchers are turning to a unique type of visa to alleviate the burden. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the TN visa program is meant to...
Champion Seed looking at different ways to cut input costs
Every year, farmers have to consider what they can do to minimize inputs while still maximizing their yields. Brandon Hulme, an agronomist with Champion Seed, said they’ve been looking at biologicals as a solution that will utilize the nutrients in the soil in order...
