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Rain has defined the 2026 crop year in Iowa
As the Pro Farmer Crop Tour traveled across the Midwest, many reports came in of dry crop conditions and lower yields. That was not the case for the Iowa leg of the tour, though, as yields were actually higher due to significant rains, especially in the eastern and central parts of the state. Steve Wilkens of BASF said rain was variable across the Corn Belt. Wilkens said excess rain can promote common diseases like white mold and sudden death syndrome in soybeans. Wilkens said they’ve done a...
Midwest heat raises late-season corn and soybean concerns
Extreme heat remains a major agricultural issue across a large portion of the Corn Belt. Heat warnings stretch from Iowa and Kansas through Illinois and toward Ohio, with heat indexes expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees in some areas. The timing matters. USDA...
Beef markets may not need government intervention
The cattle industry continues to sort through questions surrounding the Trump administration's proposal to temporarily allow an additional 300,000 metric tons of imported beef into the U.S. market. At the same time, producers are dealing with the smallest U.S. cow...
Beef exports were strong in July while pork was down
July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the value increase was driven primarily by...
Another trade dispute leaves farmers facing the fallout
Trade tensions between the United States and Canada are creating another potential problem for American agriculture, this time for the dairy industry. Trade negotiations between the two countries broke down in August, followed by new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods....
Lending a trusted ear to farmer mental health struggles
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and that’s especially important in rural areas, where suicide rates are roughly 1.5 times higher than urban areas. A lack of rural mental health care options and a negative stigma against discussing mental health have...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-4-26)
Old crop grain sales are wrapping up as we prepare to enter into the new crop year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the old crop corn sales were strong in the latest export sales report, and that will likely be reflected in next week’s WASDE report....
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More Ag News
UPL takes aim at resistant waterhemp
Herbicide resistance continues to complicate weed control decisions for growers, particularly when it comes to waterhemp and other amaranth species. At the 2026 Farm Progress Show, UPL highlighted several herbicide options the company says can provide additional...
Trump orders changes to support ranchers, increase beef market competition
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders Friday aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, increasing competition and expanding opportunities for ranchers and smaller meat processors. USDA said one order directs stronger enforcement of the Packers and...
Rural roadway safety concerns during harvest season
Harvest season is underway in many parts of the country including the Midwest as warm temperatures have started the dry down process early and farmers have fired up their combines. Every year as harvest season begins it is important to remind both farmers and the...
AMVAC announces launch of Duro LQ liquid insecticide
At this year’s Farm Progress Show, AMVAC officially announced the launch of Duro LQ insecticide, which has excellent protection against corn rootworm while also bringing added nematode suppression. Wen Carter, product development and technical services manager with...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-8-26)
It may seem crazy to think about already, but farmers in Brazil and Argentina are already preparing for the next crop season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said harvest is almost done in Brazil, so farmers are getting started on planting for next year....
