Iowa
Iowa State’s Meaghan Anderson walks central Iowa cornfields turning up a resurgence of crown rot after years of drought, plus wildly variable stands from early-season rain. Is a big Iowa corn crop still in reach?
Environmental factors are behind this year’s crown rot surge. The disease is appearing in hybrids that agronomists say are rarely prone to having the problem.
Saturated soils and high winds have downed corn and sparked disease risks for it and soybeans. Here is how to adjust your harvest equipment and strategy now to save yield.
Day 4 of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour found a crop with plenty of potential — and plenty of hidden gaps. Fewer ears, shorter grain length and early-season stress are showing up in fields in parts of both states, complicating the yield picture.
Day 3 of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour reveals low ear counts dragging down rain-weary Illinois fields, while Western Iowa corn flashes standout potential despite rising SDS and brown stem rot in soybeans.
East-central Iowa field agronomist says misjudging corn growth stage, not herbicide choice, can be the biggest risk in post-emerge passes.
Farmers might have wrapped up planting at a rapid pace this year, despite cool temperatures and frost concerns, but high fertilizer costs discouraged some from switching soybean acres to corn.
Agronomist Phil Long explains the critical gap between air and soil temperatures and why the “heat engine” for corn and soybeans has stalled in some areas.
Now present in seven states, the small pest is taking a toll on soybean crops and making Midwest growers look beyond traditional insecticides for yield protection.
Spotty spring rains have slowed planting in southwest Iowa, leaving farmers slightly behind. Despite delays, strong planning, good moisture, and a favorable forecast has Pat Sheldon optimistic for the 2026 crop season.
Before you leap, check out these essential management steps from Missouri farmer Todd Gibson and Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie to help you mitigate risks and protect ROI.
Two of the cooperative’s leaders join The Scoop Podcast to share their insights into the success of this Iowa/Illinois ag retail business.
A new report details the need for more ag funding to address existing weeds, insects and diseases as well as agronomic problems that have yet to reach U.S. shores.
The Business Innovation Award recognizes ag retailers who demonstrate digital transformation in their business.
With the voice of customer research, the Iowa co-op set out to become the supplier of choice with the goal of making business easy.
The Dec. 1 sale in Sioux County not only sets a farmer-buyer record for Iowa, but according to Jim Rothermich, it highlights fierce demand for premium ground as lower-quality farms see more no sales.
Iowa farmland values remain strong despite lower grain prices and rising financial stress. Tight supply, local farmer demand and low debt keep land prices surprisingly resilient.
In a statement issued to Farm Journal, John Deere says fewer machinery orders from farmers are coming in, so more layoffs are slated to hit factory workers in Des Moines and Waterloo.
The crop took it on the chin this season, with some Iowa farmers reporting huge yield losses as harvest gets underway. A one-time fungicide application helped, but it wasn’t enough to buck severe disease pressure, allowing it to return.
All states in the Chicago Federal Reserve district, average a 3% percent increase in dollar value of “good” farmland from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025.
Heismeyer joins the cooperative after leadership roles at Bunge and ADM.
The disease is causing turmoil for farmers who have a large crop in the making. In some cases, a Hail Mary fungicide application at R4 up to early dent (R5) might make sense this season, say agronomists.
The recent “Currents of Change” analysis reported high nutrient levels in central Iowa’s watersheds. Iowa ag has worked on the issue for decades, but nutrient movement often comes down to weather.
The Minnesota corn crop is going for gold. Pro Farmer Crop Tour scouts expect the crop will reach a record 202.86 bu. average, if it can outpace southern rust and tar spot. Scouts peg the Iowa corn crop at a 198.43 bu. average, but it also faces disease challenges.
Iowa could be the nation’s top state this year for corn and soybeans, but both crops are in a race to beat disease pressure that’s gaining momentum. Illinois corn continues to ride the struggle bus, while the soybean crop there is positioned to deliver high yields.
UPDATE: BAMWX.com meteorologist Bret Walts is forecasting potentially damaging wind storms forming over large parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North and South Dakota starting Monday evening and lasting into the night.
The industry investigates the agronomic issue finding it can be attributed to many factors including environment, genetics and rapid growth stages.
Here’s a recap on the latest leadership at the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, CVA in Nebraska, and Landus in Iowa.