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Significant cuts to the U.S. wheat crop defined May’s WASDE report
With how dry it has been in the wheat growing regions of the U.S., many analysts were expecting to see a cut to the new crop wheat production numbers in the May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. This month’s report did show exactly that, and the wheat prices shot up over forty cents to end the day on Tuesday, bringing the rest of the grain complex upwards with them. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this positive move was even able to overcome what was...
Groups respond to small refinery exemptions decision
A coalition representing farmers and ethanol producers responded to last week’s decision of the Fifth Circuit Court on Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Court remanded to the Environmental Protection Agency its rejection of six small...
2024 Seed purchasing decisions are upon us
Decision time is upon us for 2024 seeding decisions. In order to make informed ones though, we need to know about performance in 2023. The growing season featured high moisture stress, high heat stress for a lot of us in Iowa, fertility stress for some of us as well,...
The grills may be cold, but pork is still hot
With the mercury dipping to the single digits at night and the sprinkling of snow on the ground, many of you are probably putting your grills away or under their covers for the season. (Unless you are a die-hard like me, but that’s a story for another time.) The idea...
Helping farmers overcome some of the toughest challenges
In row crop production there is a seemingly endless cycle of new challenges that confront farmers each year. Fortunately, growers are very adept at taking on new problems and using the tools at their disposal to overcome those obstacles. Nick Schweizer is the Director...
Pork and beef exports to China strengthen
U.S. beef and pork exports to China received a boost recently. China’s General Administration of Customs approved 18 U.S. beef establishments and 12 U.S. pork establishments for export to China – the first new U.S. plants cleared for export to China in about 10...
Most states saw growth in net farm income in 2022
The U.S. saw growth of almost 31 percent in net farm income from 2021 through 2022. NFI is a broad measure of farm sector profitability. Researchers with USDA’s Economic Research Service used data from the Farm Income and Wealth Statistics to classify states into six...
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More Ag News
In times of need, access to food is the top priority
Following the devastating tornadoes that ripped across Iowa this week, many people are in need of food and shelter. Luckily, we have organizations like the Food Bank of Iowa that are already poised to help meet that need and aid in the disaster relief effort. Emily...
Timely rain will still be needed this summer
If you’ve taken a look at the U.S. Drought Monitor over the past several months, then you’d see that there has been a dramatic shift in conditions since this time last year. Much of the state is no longer in severe drought. Iowa State University professor of agronomy...
As the weather warms up, so do the grills
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial start of the summer. At the same time, it’s also thought to be the true kick-off to grilling season. Neal Hull, director of domestic market development with the National Pork Board, says that cooking pork...
AFBF and NFU on Farm Bill passage out of House Ag Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall responded to markup and passage of the Farm Bill out of the House Agriculture Committee Thursday. Duvall says, “We applaud the bipartisan vote after 13 hours of rigorous debate, but know that tight margins in both...
Milk will be front and center for Indy 500
Memorial Day weekend is steeped in many traditions. Many are reflective as we honor the fallen heroes of our armed services. Some are more entertaining, and one of those is the annual running of one of America’s premiere auto racing events, the Indianapolis 500. Just...
