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👉NEWS : Nearly $50 million in USDA grants meant to help farmers test new practices, improve operations, and expand regenerative methods remains stuck. The obligation deadline, set for August 12 under a Trump-era executive order establishing the MAHA Commission, has officially passed. That means these funds could now be sent back to the Treasury unused. (Politico)
✅ Why It Matters: These funds could’ve helped offset cover crops, poultry litter, or new equipment. Without them, efficiency is even more critical.
🚜 YOUR MOVE: Run lean with poultry litter, streamline your inputs, and be ready to act fast if funding resumes. In the meantime, lock in state-level support—programs like Minnesota’s Agri Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant and Iowa’s Cover Crop Initiative are still active and helping growers stay ahead.
OTHER STORIES
Soil Erosion Rearing Its Head After Dust Storms
👉 NEWS : Minnesota faced severe wind erosion this year—blamed on a dry winter and thaw-freeze cycles (Agweek).
✅ WHY IT MATTERS: Erosion eats yield potential. Prevention is faster, cheaper, and more effective than recovery.
🚜 YOUR MOVE: Get covers or poultry litter down post-harvest to hold soil and moisture in place. Even minimal residue cover makes a difference.
Iowa Cover Crop Cost-Share Extended
👉 NEWS : Iowa’s cover crop sign-up is extended through Sept 18. Payments hit $30/ac for first-time users, $20/ac for returning ones—plus bonuses for no-till and N stabilizers (Iowa Dept. of Ag)
✅ WHY IT MATTERS: It’s cash in hand for practices that improve soil, reduce runoff, and cut input bills.
🚜 YOUR MOVE: If you're farming in Iowa, get signed up. Stack litter + cover crops to build fertility, hold nutrients, and buffer next spring’s weather curveballs.
Smarter Fertilizer Use = Better Margins
👉 NEWS : Iowa State’s updated soil fertility guide helps refine nutrient decisions—lowering costs and boosting ROI (Farm Progress).
✅ WHY IT MATTERS: With input prices up and margins tight, fine-tuning fertilizer plans can protect profitability.
🚜 YOUR MOVE: Post-harvest, recalibrate your nutrient plan using updated soil tests. Adjust rates based on poultry litter inputs and real field needs.
THE FIELDS REPORT
SEPTEMBER: 🌤️ Cooler days and scattered showers are lining up a prime post-harvest prep window.
🌽 Drying Down: Corn is starting to dent and dry—check maturity, especially in early-planted fields.
💧 Moisture Reset: Light rain this week helps recharge topsoil—ideal for cover crop seeding or poultry litter application.
🌱 Seeding Window: Soil temps and moisture are on point for cover crop establishment—get it in while the weather holds.
🐓 Litter Timing: Conditions are nearly perfect—warm soil, active microbes, and enough moisture to drive nutrient availability.
🌾 Post-Harvest Weeds: Watch for late flushes and plan fall burndown where perennials are popping.
CBOT NUMBERS
CORN
DEC ’25: $4.19 ¼ | MAR ’26: $4.35 ½
Summary: Corn futures slipped slightly, with traders awaiting full harvest pace and yield data. Mild export strength offers some floor, but technicals are driving direction.
Outlook: Watch for basis swings as elevators fill. Protect profitable bushels now, especially if local bids are strong.
SOYBEAN
NOV ’25: $10.21 ¼ | JAN ’26: $10.37 ¼
Summary: Soybeans edged lower on technical selling, despite ongoing support from crush demand and oil markets.
Outlook: Steady fundamentals, but global demand remains a wildcard. Layer in sales before full harvest pressure kicks in.
WHEAT
DEC ’25: $5.05 ¼ | MAR ’26: $5.23 ¼
Summary: Wheat continued its slow grind lower, pressured by global supplies and weak technical momentum.
Outlook: If your local basis is holding firm, now might be the time to move wheat ahead of winter storage pressure.
Source: AgWeb Futures (as of 10/07/25)
EVENTS
Electric Farm Equipment Grants – Public Input Session #1
Oct 15, 2025 | 📍 Statewide / policy meeting
Stakeholder meeting on grants for electrified farm gear.
More info.
Worker Protection Standard: How to Comply
Oct 20, 2025 | 📍 Minnesota
Compliance workshop for WPS rules.
More info.
Midwest Climate Resilience Conference
Oct 20–22, 2025 | 📍 Milwaukee, WI
Topics: Soil health, climate adaptation strategies in ag.
Electric Farm Equipment Grants – Public Input Session #2
Oct 29, 2025 | 📍 Minnesota
Continuation of stakeholder input.
Minnesota AgriGrowth Fall Summit
Oct 30, 2025 | 📍 St. Louis Park, MN
Theme: Building a stronger agriculture & food economy in Minnesota
More info.