IARN — The yearly Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show brings producers and their families from across the country together. This year’s event is August 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee, and it will also provide an opportunity for the industry’s youth to gather, learn, and share ideas. Read more
Interest rates for operating loans rise slightly
IARN — Interest rates on agricultural loans made by commercial banks increased slightly for some types of lending. However, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City says rates stayed historically low through the first half of this year. The average rate on non-real estate loans was about 30 basis points higher than the all-time low reached at the end of 2020. Read more
Corn Crops At Critical Stage, Still Need More Rain
Northwest Iowa — Forecasters say it’ll likely be dry much of this week, but last week’s heavy thunderstorms brought some areas of the state four and even five inches of rainfall. Still, overall precipitation is still well below normal in northwest Iowa. Read more
Germany discovers African Swine Fever in domestic hogs
IARN — Late last week, the first cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) appeared in domestic hogs in Germany. Reuters says the ASF discovery could make negotiations about lifting existing import bans with China and other major buyers more difficult. However, experts predict no major impact will hit the German pork market right away. Read more
Foliar feeding in summer can maximize crop potential
IARN — By this time of the growing season, farmers may think they’ve done all they can to feed their crop. However, Brian Gardener, Ag Spectrum Technical Director, says there’s another step to ensure you are maximizing your crop’s potential. Read more
Sweetcorn Finally Ready In Northwest Iowa
Northwest Iowa — While some areas of the state had fresh sweet corn available right after the Fourth of July, growers in northwest Iowa are just now rolling out their crop. Read more