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Farmers already expect higher breakeven prices in 2027
The Purdue University/CME Group's Ag Economy Barometer declined in April as economic uncertainty caused a dip in farmer optimism for the future of their operations. Michael Langemeier, director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, says that corn growers are doing the math and expect even higher breakeven prices during the 2027 growing season. Despite the dip in the ag economy barometer and tightening margins for producers, many respondents to the survey indicated that they...
Another fall. Another battle with HPAI
We sincerely hoped we would finally be done with the battle against High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as the bird flu. However, as the long fall and the slow bird migration are showing, we are going to have to fight another season of this...
Former Iowa governor Terry Branstad to receive USMEF award
Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad has been selected to receive the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Michael J. Mansfield Award. USMEF established this award in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan...
AFB says only short farm bill extension may be needed
An American Farm Bureau official says just a short-term extension of maybe a few weeks will be needed to write a new farm bill but complains lawmakers should have done their job already. That is American Farm Bureau Managing Director of Government Affairs Ryan Yates....
Now is the time to reduce tillage
Seeing the benefits of reduced tillage, on a yield map, from a cost savings standpoint and increased erosion control. All three are absolutely proven, and Evan Brehm, Conservation Agronomist with the Iowa Soybean Association, says it starts with leaving the soil...
FBOI serves record numbers as holiday season approaches
It looks to be a challenging holiday season ahead for Iowans who need food assistance. Record numbers continue to seek help Last month, Food Bank of Iowa partner pantries served more than 191,000 individuals in 55 counties, an all-time high and continuing the...
St. Lawrence Seaway labor disputes threaten shipping
EDITOR'S NOTE: About two and half hours after press time, IARN received word from the Soy Transportation Coalition that the strike has been suspended and a temporary agreement has been reached. Mike Steenhoek released the following statement: "We are pleased the...
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EPA’s Regan Defends WOTUS Implementation
Regulatory overreach was a topic of debate in Washington D.C. this week regarding EPA and the implementation of the new WOTUS rule. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan told a House panel that the EPA is working in tandem with the Army Corps of...
Iowa Egg Council donates thousands of nutrient-dense eggs
As part of the Sack Hunger campaign, the Iowa Egg Council donated 14,100 dozen eggs to the Food Bank of Iowa today. The timing of the donation is also important, as May 1st marks the beginning of Egg Month. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said it’s a great example of the...
Extreme drought calls for extra soil management
As planting season starts to fully get rolling here soon in Iowa, farmers are thinking about how to handle extreme drought conditions that can hinder crop development. While farmers have been dealing with drought conditions for almost 4 years straight now, there’s...
Secretary Naig comments on updated GREET model for Sustainable Aviation Fuel credit
Following yesterday’s release of guidance by the U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service on the 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit, which incorporates an updated version of the GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, Energy use in...
Treasury department announces GREET model guidelines for 23-24
We have been watching and waiting for the GREET model to be released. It is necessary to have an updated version of it to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the credits that will be assessed to different practices to help lower carbon scoring on the fuel’s...
