FSA disaster programs provide important farm safety net

The outgoing executive director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois says he’s a firm believer in the agency’s disaster programs. Scott Halpin, who also farms in northern Illinois, says his term has given him a better respect for the importance of disaster aid. “In my three years, we’ve seen a lot of…Continue Reading

Soybeans, corn, wheat consolidate

Soybeans were mostly modestly lower. It was an up and down day with occasional support from last week’s USDA numbers against profit taking pressure. Beans are also watching development conditions in South America. CONAB did raise its outlook for Brazil’s soybean crop slightly, with production now pegged at 166.328 million tons on expectations for a…Continue Reading

Farmer looks back on challenging 2024 growing season

Pictured: Iowa farmer Nathan Anderson at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A northwest Iowa farmer says he’s pleased to move on from the 2024 growing season. Nathan Anderson says his farm was impacted by multiple weather extremes. “April 1st to June 30th ranked number one in precipitation ranks…Continue Reading

A good time to be a cattle producer

Pictured: Iowa farmer James Holz at the 2025 Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference (Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield) A central Iowa cattle farmer says 2024 ended on a high note and he’s optimistic about the year ahead. “Cattle prices are really good going into 2025,” said James Holz. “We’re pretty excited about that.” Holz says…Continue Reading

Concerns over beef price sustainability

A central Illinois cattle producer has come concerns over the current price of beef. Chase Brown, who raises cattle in Macon County, says he’s worried about sustainability. “A whole beef can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000.”  He says, “Then with the processing on that, you know that’s a big outlay of cash for a…Continue Reading

45Z guidance shows positive outlook for the soybean industry

A director with the American Soybean Association says the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to not allow imported used cooking oil to qualify for the clean fuels tax credit is a huge win for the soybean industry. Eastern Iowa soybean farmer Dave Walton says the biodiesel industry adds value to each bushel of soybeans. “Soybean oil as…Continue Reading

Boehm stepping down from roles at University of Nebraska IANR

The University of Nebraska has announced a leadership change within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). Mike Boehm, who has served in the dual role as vice chancellor and vice president for agriculture and natural resources since 2017, is stepping down from those positions at the end of the spring semester. The university…Continue Reading

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