Average farmland values in Iowa fell one percent over the past six months, according to the latest survey by the Iowa Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute. The changes varied from a three percent increase in southeast Iowa to a nearly three percent decrease in north central Iowa. According to the realtors group, major factors …
Category: Ag News
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Mar 14
Getting the most out of your crop
Farmers are facing another year of tight margins and they are looking for more ways to increase yields and improve profit potential. In this Managing for Profit, Lynn Justesen talks about the fourth stage of the Unlock 5 Crop Life Cycle Strategies, reproduction, and how it helps to limit crop stressors that can limit yields. …
Mar 13
Congressman Kind calls Trump budget “Dead on arrival”
A Wisconsin Congressman says President Trump’s budget proposal is going nowhere. “It’s dead on arrival. Republicans, Democrats alike are saying that. The time for any reform of these agriculture programs was when we were considering the farm bill.” Democrat Ron Kind of La Crosse tells Brownfield the way things work in Washington, it’s too late …
Mar 13
Economist says no USMCA ratification might lead to recession
An ag economist says while many are focused on getting a trade deal with China, he’s concerned about something else. Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech tells Brownfield getting the new USMCA agreement ratified is vital. “This ratification of the agreement, if it doesn’t happen, it could push us into a recession.” Kohl says not …
Mar 13
Feeding the Economy to the tune of $7-Trillion a year
A first-of-its-kind study shows U.S. food and agriculture industries contribute more than $7-Trillion-dollars a year to the nation’s economy. John Bode, president of the Corn Refiners Association, speaking on behalf of the Feeding the Economy study, says the data was compiled on behalf of 23 national ag and food groups to speak in one voice, …
Mar 13
Weather prompts earlier than normal cattle trade
At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, weather was the big driver behind cattle trade. Earlier than normal cash business and weak midday boxed beef limited any potential gains. April closed $.02 higher at $126.67 and June live cattle closed $.65 higher at $119.32. March feeder cattle closed $.25 higher at $141.55 and April feeder cattle closed …
Mar 13
Biosecurity more than protection from foreign animal disease
An extension poultry educator reminds livestock producers biosecurity does more than protect animals from foreign disease threats. Abby Neu says swine research conducted by the University of Minnesota during the PEDv outbreak magnified the value of enhanced biosecurity. “They saw production numbers increase across the board, so it’s even those minor diseases that a producer …
Mar 13
Combined U.S., Canada cattle, hog herds up on year
The USDA says the combined U.S. and Canadian livestock numbers show continued U.S. expansion of the cattle and hog herds cancelling out lower numbers for Canada. The combined hog inventory at the end of December was up 1% at 88.58 million head, with a 2% rise in the U.S. to 74.55 million making up for …
Mar 13
Hope for reopening the Chinese market to U.S. poultry
The resumption of U.S. poultry exports to China could be an early signal a trade deal between the two countries is imminent. Midwest Poultry Federation executive director Steve Olson says China closed its doors to U.S. poultry in 2015 amid the avian influenza outbreak. “That was frustrating. But we’re encouraged that President Trump has sent …
Mar 13
Strong late-Winter storm organizes on the Plains
Across the Corn Belt, mild, showery weather prevails in advance of an approaching storm system. Runoff across the western and central Corn Belt is increasing due to rain falling on still-frozen soils, as well as melting snow and ice, leading to considerable ponding and lowland flooding. On the Plains, blizzard conditions are developing across western …