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Farm financial concerns temper improving farmer confidence

Farm financial concerns temper improving farmer confidence

Farmer confidence improved slightly in October, but concerns about farm finances continue to weigh on producers as they evaluate their financial performance and prepare for another growing season. The latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer shows some improvement in overall sentiment, even as farmers remain cautious about working capital, balance sheets, and major investments. For Iowa producers, those concerns are particularly relevant as lower commodity prices and continued...

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El Nino could impact potential crop yields in Brazil

El Nino could impact potential crop yields in Brazil

The long-term demand picture for U.S. grain is raising some concerns, as we won’t have many guarantees once China finishes its purchases of U.S. soybeans. If Brazil ends up having the bumper crop that many analysts are expecting, that could make demand for U.S. grain...

Updating Iowa’s corn harvest progress

Updating Iowa’s corn harvest progress

While Iowa was delayed in starting harvest this year due to rain and wet conditions, farmers have made up significant ground in recent weeks. However, Iowa still lags behind the national corn harvest pace which has almost caught up to the five-year average. That is...

Renewable fuels group backs EPA plan to restore RFS volumes

Renewable fuels group backs EPA plan to restore RFS volumes

The Renewable Fuels Association is supporting an EPA proposal to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. At a hearing Wednesday, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the agency should reallocate all...

There’s still a chance for an updated farm bill

There’s still a chance for an updated farm bill

Both the Senate and Congress now have Democrat majorities, which changes what we might see in the next farm bill, assuming we get one soon. Duane Simpson, president of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said he believes some work will get done to finish the...

Strong soybean yields meet steep quality discounts

Strong soybean yields meet steep quality discounts

Soybean producers across the country, including here in Iowa, are dealing with quality discounts that are cutting into the value of their crops despite strong yields in many areas. While discolored soybeans have received much of the attention, concerns over test...

As profit margins tighten, debt management is critical

As profit margins tighten, debt management is critical

As tighter margins pressure farm finances, lenders are seeing producers rely more heavily on borrowed capital to cover operating expenses. At the same time, higher interest rates are increasing the cost of carrying that debt. Chad Gent, senior vice president of retail...

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Updating Iowa’s corn harvest progress

Updating Iowa’s corn harvest progress

While Iowa was delayed in starting harvest this year due to rain and wet conditions, farmers have made up significant ground in recent weeks. However, Iowa still lags behind the national corn harvest pace which has almost caught up to the five-year average. That is...