Top Stories
It’s still too risky to ship fertilizer globally
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus in global markets as disruptions have created bottlenecks that are driving input costs even higher. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said it doesn’t matter if the strait is declared open or closed- what does matter is whether or not ships are going through it. Linville said these aren’t the highest fertilizer prices we’ve ever seen, but the main problem stems from the fact that the grain prices don’t reflect the inflated...
Many soybean yield-limiting factors seen this year in Iowa
Continuing the conversation about what went on in Iowa production agriculture in terms of pests and diseases that may have impacted final yields over and above or outside of the big limiting factor that everybody talks about – water. It certainly provided a large...
Secretary Naig announces expansion for SE Iowa water quality project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that a successful Water Quality Initiative (WQI) project in Mahaska County is expanding into Jasper and Marion Counties while also adding a new phase that focuses on edge-of-field conservation practices. Since...
The promotion of pork cannot be contained in a single month
With it being October and National Pork Month, we have a lot to celebrate. The pork industry is producing quality products for consumers all over the world. However, there is always more work to be done. As we see depressed prices for producers, it is important that...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-24-23)
Some rain has entered the forecast in South America, but drought concerns remain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. Earlier today, ADM CEO Juan Luciano gave a rather bleak outlook on the...
China – U.S. ag companies sign purchase agreements in Des Moines
On Monday the China-U.S. Sustainable Agricultural Trade Forum and Contract Signing Ceremony co-organized by U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products (CFNA), Iowa...
Soybean harvest almost complete in Iowa
Let's go for a ride, figuratively speaking of course, in the combine with Iowa Soybean Association Conservation Agronomist Evan Bream. As we start to wind down harvest the latest Iowa Crop Progress report shows that 87% of Iowa soybeans are in the bin. “I'd say that's...
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More Ag News
La Nina returns this summer after brief El Nino
After a few years in a solid La Nina weather pattern, this winter saw a strong El Nino. However, that didn’t last long, as we are already back to ENSO-neutral, which will then lead to La Nina again this summer. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
Keep mental health in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and...
Grassley urges better data reporting on avian influenza in dairy cows
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) responded on Thursday to a Washington Post story critical of bird flu testing in dairy cows and the sharing of results. Grassley says that the logistics of mandating more testing in millions of cows would be difficult....
USDA requires H5N1 testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday mandated testing for H5N1 of dairy cattle that cross state lines. The move is to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of avian influenza. Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative...
USDA Undersecretary Taylor returns from India
Trade is top of mind in the agriculture industry. Growing and maintaining our list of trading partners is essential, especially given the circumstances of the trade glut we have experienced in the past year or so. It is especially important to make regular trade trips...
