Ag News

Bayer Dicamba Training Fully Available Online

(IARN) — As many farmers and applicators are working from home and practicing safe social distancing, Bayer is offering dicamba training online as we look toward spring and planting for the 2020 season.

The online training options provide the same level of certification for the use of over-the-top dicamba chemistries like XtendiMax® herbicide with VaporGrip® Technology, a restricted use pesticide, as farmers receive in person — while keeping attendees safe from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and spreading the infection within their communities. Read more

Prospective Pantings, Quarterly Grain Stocks To Be Released Tuesday

(IARN) — A federal government agency continue operations, despite restrictions imposed as the result of COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tuesday will release its Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports. A couple analysts, featured on our Network weekly, provide their expectations for these reports.

A Bloomberg poll outlines average estimates for the Prospective Plantings report. Analysts estimate corn acreage at 94.1 million,  soybean acreage at 85.0 million, and all wheat acreage at 45.0 million. Read more

Iowa’s Land Values Remain Stable

(IARN) — COVID-19, otherwise known as the novel coronavirus, kindled erratic movement in grains, livestock, and stock markets. One area, which remains stable during uncertain times, is land.

“Land values continue to hold firm,” shares Troy Louwagie, accredited land consultant with Hertz Real Estate Services. Read more

USDA Service Centers Adjust Operations Amid COVID-19

(IARN) — The way we have come to access goods and services has changed drastically over the past few weeks.

The U.S. Department of Agiruclture (USDA) has also been forced to adjust the way it serves United States farmers and ranchers. One USDA Undersecretary outlines those changes up next. Read more

Valero Closing Two Ethanol Plants In Iowa And Nebraska

(IARN) — U.S. fuel ethanol producer and refiner Valero is shutting down two of its ethanol plants, one in Nebraska and the other in Iowa. They’re also declaring “force majeure” on shipments for dried distillers’ grains or corn purchases, which means they won’t be able to meet contracted demands because of unforeseeable conditions. The force majeure is because of a lack of storage availability for corn or ethanol as demand for fuel drops and storage remains limited due to the excess supply. The coronavirus outbreak is causing Americans to drive considerably less than usual, so the low demand and excess supply are forcing Valero to close plants in Albion, Nebraska, and Albert City, Iowa. Read more