After nearly a decade in this role, it is not often a question of “if” herds are overcrowding, but more so “how much”? There are a ton of factors to consider when deciding to keep a cow around. Is she carrying a black calf? Is there enough feed inventory o...

As spring inches closer, it gets more tempting each day to fire up the tractor and get in the field. However, deciding when to plant is one of the first (of many) management decisions that will impact your crop’s performance this season. Here are six tips to help you decide...

In case you skipped Matt’s article to get to your favorite section of the newsletter, Farmers Union Cooperative of Ossian, IA will be merging into Premier Cooperative on August 1st. I’ve been there a couple of times, and I’m really impressed with their staff, fa...

Continuing to keep up with the updates on the proposed merger for Farmers Union in Ossian, Iowa to join Premier, I am happy to report the vote has passed! The ballots were due prior to the special meeting held on March 26th, where assigned officials would oversee the count. The r...

Remember when tariffs ruled the fertilizer market narrative? That feels like a long time ago. While with nitrogen markets taking the brunt of the impact. Supply disruptions were immediate and are expected to persist through spring, reinforcing how tightly global production, logis...

As fields begin to green up, now is the time to walk stands, make early decisions, and protect first-cut yield. Here are easy, practical steps that help drive more tons in 2026. 

We’ve all heard the old adage that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. This year it came in more like an overfed barn cat than a lion. It still has claws and will fight when cornered, but it’s really more content to just lay around all day on a window...

Today’s dairy and beef operations rely heavily on accurate forage inventory planning. Feed costs remain one of the largest contributors to overall expenses, and even small miscalculations can result in unplanned purchases before the next harvest. Key elements of effective f...

Today’s commodity markets present unique challenges. Rising input costs, global uncertainty, and increased volatility create more risk—but also more opportunity for producers with a proactive marketing strategy. Access to timely information and trusted guidance is ess...

A couple of months ago we made the announcement that we had signed a letter of intent to begin a merger study with Farmers Union Cooperative in Ossian, Iowa. Over these last two months, we’ve spent time with their teams pouring through financial records, comparing operation...