With farm incomes down nearly 25 percent since 2022, Iowa farmers are grappling with market volatility and economic pressures. To provide guidance, the Iowa Farm Bureau (IFB), in partnership with Iowa State University (ISU), is launching its Ag Market Outlook meeting series at five locations across the state in February, including two in the Carroll Broadcasting area. The meetings will feature industry experts, including ISU Extension Vice President Jason Henderson, who will address the macro farm economy; IFB’s Dr. Christopher Pudenz, who will deliver a livestock market outlook; and Zach Brummer, the bureau’s farmer education program manager, who will discuss grain markets and 2025 marketing strategies. Additional topics include managing farm-related stress by ISU Extension specialist, Tim Christensen, and farm-succession planning from Kristine Tidgren, director of ISU’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. The Buena Vista County Extension Office will host one session on Monday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson will host the other in our area, also on Monday, Feb. 17, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Farm Bureau members can register for free using the link included with this story on our website. Non-members may contact their local Farm Bureau office to participate.
