Local, State & Ag News
Soybean Planting Update: How the Season Is Shaping Up
Soybean planting has started in Missouri, according to University of Missouri Extension specialist Andre Reis. Missouri farmers are closely watching conditions as the 2026 planting season gets underway. Learn more
FCS Financial Field Notes: Interest Rates Hold Steady
Even amid recent geopolitical volatility, interest rates in agriculture remain relatively stable compared to a year ago. Drew Cox, vice president of commercial crop lending with FCS Financial in Higginsville,
Beck’s agronomist says weed control is critical to managing SCN
The agronomy education lead with Beck’s Hybrids says effective weed management can help control soybean cyst nematode. Matt Montgomery says more than 100 different types of weeds can host the pest.
Export inspections mostly larger than last year
Grain and oilseed export inspections were solid during the week ending April 16th. The USDA says corn inspections were below a year ago, but still above what’s needed to meet
Report: Deportations in Iowa are up 3X from a year ago
The number of deportations in Iowa has jumped since President Trump started his second term, according to the Deportation Data Project. It reports more than 1,600 people were deported from
Craft beer, spirits industries in Iowa facing national trends impacting business
Iowa’s craft beer and spirits industries have been going through a rough spot that mirrors national trends. Noreen Otto is with the Iowa Brewer’s Guild. “Nationwide, craft beer is going
China signals longer-term cuts to ag imports
China’s Ag Ministry says it plans to import fewer soybeans, pork, beef and dairy products in the next decade. Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing says that sends a clear
FFA leadership opens doors to ag careers for Iowa State student
One FFA member says the organization is helping shape his future career choice. Adam McCrea is currently studying ag systems technology at Iowa State University. He’s also winding down his
Farmers advised to take field-by-field approach to cost management
An ag economist encourages farmers to be mindful of production costs amid continued market volatility. Dr. Megan Roberts with Compeer Financial says many growers are dealing with depressed commodity prices
Don’t wait on Middle East resolution to manage fertilizer price risk
An ag economist says producers can still protect their bottom line despite market volatility from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Allen Featherstone with Kansas State University says farmers should
