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Iowa farmer says planting off to a great start

Central Iowa farmer Corey Hillebo says this spring is off to a great start. “We had a lot of anhydrous and strips to make for strip-till, and the end of March gave us some great windows to get that done timely. And great conditions... Read More.

Iowa farmer concerned about tight margins

A southwest Iowa farmer is concerned about tight margins. Carl Jardon of Randolph says input costs remain high. “Of course our price for corn and soybeans has come down, so margins are tight.” He tells Brownfield uncertainty in the ag economy is causing more... Read More.

Most Iowa farmers continue planting prep

Planting remains in the early stages across Iowa. USDA’s latest weekly crop report says most fieldwork has consisted of tillage, oat seeding, and fertilizer applications. Oats are 47 percent planted, three days behind last year but three days ahead of the five-year average.  Six... Read More.

FFA membership soars in Iowa, need for teachers highlighted

Photo of Scott Johnson by Brent Barnett/Brownfield The executive director of the Iowa FFA Association says student membership is at an all-time. Scott Johnson says there’s a rising interest in FFA and agriculture education programs across the state. “We continue to add ag education... Read More.

Bauer reflects on year as Iowa FFA State President

Photo of Collin Bauer by Brent Barnett/Brownfield Iowa FFA’s outgoing state president says the organization has made a lasting impact on his life. Collin Bauer tells Brownfield he’s traveled nationally and internationally over the last year meeting with policy makers and ag producers. He... Read More.

Planting expected to pick up next week in southwest Iowa

A southwest Iowa farmer says corn and soybean planting has started in his area. Kevin Ross farms near Minden and says he’s hearing some growers got an early start to the planting season. “I’ve heard of a couple guys getting started just south of... Read More.

Iowa farmer sticking with regular crop rotation

Not all growers are planning to shift to more corn acres this year. Southeast Iowa farmer Tim Meyer tells Brownfield he has no plans to disrupt what’s been working for him on his operation. “I would hate to throw things out of rotation just... Read More.

Iowa farmer to start planting Thursday

A southwest Iowa farmer plans to begin corn and soybean planting this week. Carl Jardon farms near Randolph and says while soil temperatures aren’t up to 50 degrees yet, warm weather is forecast. “I think a lot of people are planning on starting tomorrow,... Read More.

Iowa farmer about 10 days out from planting corn

An eastern Iowa farmer says he expects to start planting corn soon. Lance Lillibridge raises a corn-on-corn rotation in Benton County and says, “The 20th is the date I like to look at. We might get a chance to start a little earlier this... Read More.

Small grain planting underway in Iowa

Oat seeding is a little ahead of normal in Iowa’s first weekly USDA crop report for 2025. At 20 percent done, the pace is two days ahead of the five-year average but does trail last year by more than a week. Minimal fieldwork was... Read More.