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How an Iowa farmer pushes through less-than-average crop yields

Jul 27, 2023
It takes a "that's farming, buddy!" attitude — and crop insurance helps, too.
April Hemmes says farmers like her are "running scared" because over half of their soybeans are exported to China.
Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

How inflation and "wild weather" are affecting one family farm

Sep 27, 2022
Anne Schwagerl, co-owns and operates Prairie Point Farm in Minnesota, where she's experimenting with new crops.
At Prairie Point Farm, Anne Schwagerl says they'll harvest soybeans, then corn. Above, soybeans are planted on a farm.
Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images

The Corn Belt is facing smaller yields, but higher prices are keeping this farmer's hopes up

Sep 15, 2022
Drought has made the last few years tough for farmers like Keith Alverson of Chester, South Dakota. But higher corn prices are keeping him optimistic.
Farmers in the Corn Belt have endured two years of drought.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Farmers in the Midwest are behind on planting. That could mean lower yields come harvest.

May 19, 2022
Iowa corn and soybean farmer April Hemmes is "at least two and a half weeks" behind due to wet weather.
April Hemmes says farmers like her are "running scared" because over half of their soybeans are exported to China.
Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

Late potato planting could affect french fry supply

Apr 2, 2019
Availability of french fries depends on the weather in Washington, Oregon and Idaho this spring.
Potatoes scoot by on belts at Balcom and Moe, Inc. in Pasco. The potatoes are rinsed, sized and put in bags destined for America’s supermarkets. The potato farmer and packer-shipper has been in business since the 1920s.
Anna King for Marketplace

Farmers eyeing trade tariff threats as crop insurance trims considered by House committee

Apr 18, 2018
The House Agriculture Committee considers the Farm Bill today. The bill includes funding for crop insurance, the federal program that protects farmers from swings in crop yields, and prices. If insurance is cut back, that could be a problem should China makes good on its latest tariff threats.  Click the audio player above to hear […]