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To replant or not to replant, that is the question
This week’s unpredictable, severe weather shows just how quickly conditions can go from favorable to harmful for the crops in Iowa. No farmer wants to plan on making replant decisions, but it’s still important to keep in mind for when the crop season inevitably throws a curveball. Bill Backhaus of BASF said he always encourages farmers to be prepared for those scenarios. It may seem early to think about replanting, but Backhaus said he’s actually heard about a decent number of soybeans being...
Eastern Iowa and Corn Belt seeing increased drought risk
Timely rains have been popping up around the state, but there?s still some drought creeping in. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan provided an update on the latest U.S. Drought Monitor.The recent storms and showers have been nice, but you have to be lucky to...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-6-23)
Clear skies continue to be the story for the weather in South America. This is great news for Brazilian farmers who have just started harvesting second crop corn. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride provided an update on the latest weather conditions.McBride said...
MOUs with equipment manufacturers will reduce downtime
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently signed two more right to repair MOUs, this time with AGCO and Kubota. Emily Buckman, AFBF Government Affairs Director, says combined with MOUs from John Deere and CNH Industrial, the four agreements cover roughly 70 percent...
Iowa planting all but wrapped up, but moisture is in short supply
We are now in the first full week of June, and from the looks of things, planting is all but wrapped up in the state of Iowa. The latest weekly crop progress report had this to say.?Farmers were still planting some corn and soybeans this week, however nearly all...
EPA still considering eRINS in RVO rule, Grassley opposed
The Biden administration?s Environmental Protection Agency is still considering including eRINS in its final Renewable Volume rule the agency is required by court order to issue by the middle of the month. But two Senators are leading the charge to stop that from...
Mixed bag in recent USDA Ag Trade Outlook
USDA?s June Ag Trade Outlook showed a significant drop in U.S. exports from the February report. U.S. ag exports are forecast at $181 billion for fiscal year 2023, down $3.5 billion from expectations in the February forecast. Veronica Nigh, senior economist with the...
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Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
State pesticide labeling reform a debate for next farm bill
As lawmakers once again prepare to begin work on a new farm bill in 2024, farm bill priorities are being voiced by all parties. One area of the ag sector which could be a candidate for reform in the new farm bill could be the pesticide labeling process. The EPA is...
December rural mainstreet index sank
Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral for a fourth-straight month in December. Based on a survey of bank CEOs in a ten-state region, the index rose to 41.7 from November’s 40.4. That’s still lower than October’s 44.4. The index ranges...
Just when you think the government couldn’t get more absurd
When you're facing crippling federal debt with a government that has no problem spending your money, your kids’ money, and the money of the next three generations, it is no surprise that they are finding new and inventive ways to keep sticking their hands further into...
Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand
Farmers are always looking to be sustainable, which itself is usually a way to increase profitability. But now there are other ways, like carbon market programs, that can provide extra revenue to those sustainable practices. Travis Kraft, national sales director of...
