Statewide Iowa — Fields began to dry for most of Iowa early in the week ending April 12, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. However, northwest Iowa saw accumulating snow on Sunday, April 12 with rain falling over much of the rest of the State. Statewide there were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. Field activities for the week included applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer, spreading manure, and tilling fields. In addition to planting oats, there were reports of corn and soybeans being planted. Read more
Lots Of Chicken Wings Available Cheaply Thanks To Coronavirus
(IARN) — The poultry market missed a big sales opportunity when the NCAA basketball tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus. March Madness is the second of the two biggest annual events for wing sales, with the other being the Super Bowl. As the U.S. is asking citizens to stay at home to prevent further spread of the outbreak, the canceled basketball tournament means there is a whole bunch of chicken wings out there on the market. Read more
Keep Line Of Communication Open With Ag Retailers
(IARN) — As Iowa farmers prepare fields for spring planting, they expect timely deliveries of seed, crop protectants, as well as other inputs.
Many fear COVID-19 may cause disruptions to the agricultural supply chain. One agricultural solutions company shares its pledge to farmers as they work toward record-breaking production/yields.
Much uncertainty surrounds COVID-19. However, seed dealers and agricultural retailers continue to work around the clock to ensure their customers receive essential products and services this spring. Read more
OPEC+ Reaches Consensus, Will Scale Back Production
(IARN) — OPEC+ members and allied nations, on Thursday, convened virtually to weigh options for cutting oil production.
Russia and Saudi Arabia previously opposed production cuts, which impacted oil prices. The market quickly took a dive as COVID-19 greatly reduced demand.
Coronavirus lockdowns knocked 25-percent off daily petroleum usage, equating to between 20 and 35 million barrels per day, reports Forbes. Read more
House Biofuels Caucus Sends Letter To Secretary Perdue
(IARN) — On Friday, the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to “take immediate action to ensure plants can retain skilled workers and continue production when market conditions improve.” This letter joins a similar letter which came from Senate Lawmakers earlier in the week. The letter was signed by all four Iowa Congressional Members; Abby Fikenauer (D-1st), Dave Loebsack (D-2nd), Cindy Axne (D-3rd), and Steve King (R-4th). Read more
ISA, Quantified Ventures, Cargill Partner To Advance Ag Conservation In Iowa
(IARN) — The Iowa Soybean Association, Quantified Ventures, and Cargill are announcing the launch of a collaborative, market-based program to accelerate soil health and water conservation across Iowa farmland and provide a critical new source of financial incentives to Iowa farmers.
The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund compensates farmers for implementing agricultural management best practices on their farms. The resulting environmental improvements, including enhanced water quality and carbon sequestration, are independently monitored, verified and purchased by municipal, corporate, and governmental entities who are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impacts and costs. Read more