November 2026 Choice
General Manager Update:
Not much good news in global markets this month. Diesel shortages have hit Iowa. As of this writing, we are down to 3 terminals in the state with sellable Diesel. Refiners have upped output by making more Diesel and less gasoline, which in turn will cause gas shortages down the road. Elevated input costs on LNG, sulfur, and other products will keep fertilizer costs elevated well into the spring. My suggestion is to plan ahead and layer your risk to keep your exposure to these unpredictable forces that are out of our control. We will end up implementing a fuel surcharge on Tractor app and dry fertilizer. The surcharge will be $1/ac on tractor app and $.50/ac on spreading. This is not something that we take lightly and we will work hard to ensure that we are able to provide service to you as you need. In happier news, we have been watching and managing risk on your behalf and are set up to support and service your needs! Our mission is to work hand in hand with you and help each other through these challenging times. Thank you for your continued support of your cooperative.
Batavia Vision Ag Manager Update:
Harvest Season has been very busy this year. With one of the wettest Septembers on record every part of our fall season has been delayed. That being said, crops are being harvested and the yields are still coming in high. With the higher yields being taken off the fields, we need to consider adding more P & K to help keep our available nutrients and applying fungicide has had a great return on investment this year. Make sure to consider using them next year if you are not already. With corn and soybeans getting harvested, think about what hybrids and varieties performed well and stood out this year and consider getting them booked and ordered for next year's crop. Harvest season is still going strong and Anhydrous season starting soon if it hasn't already in some areas. It is critical that we stay vigilant on the roads and be patient with slow-moving farm equipment. Be sure to stop in and talk to your local Vision Ag team about any fertilizer or seed needs. Thank you for your business.
Broadway Service Manager Update:
Filters may not be an interesting topic for everyone. However, if you knew what they did for you and your vehicle, it may change your thought process. Let's specifically talk about cabin air filters. Most cars, vans, SUV's and some newer trucks all have cabin air filters. A clean cabin air filter helps to drastically reduce the amount of allergens, pollen, and dust that can make its way inside your vehicle and helps to keep your HVAC system running at optimal performance. Here are some ways to tell if your vehicle's cabin air filter may need to be changed:
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Decreased Air Flow ... This is the first thing that you will notice. It will feel like your A/C or heat isn’t working like it used to.
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Unpleasant Odor ... Mold can actually build up in a clogged cabin air filter which can cause bad odors and is unhealthy to breathe.
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Frequent Sneezing in Your Vehicle ... A dirty cabin air filter can allow more allergens and pollen to get into your vehicle which will trigger allergies.
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Foggy Windows ... A clogged cabin air filter will make your windows fog up more than usual and will reduce the vehicles' defrost ability.
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Visible Dirt and Debris ... Visible dirt and debris on the cabin air filter is a sure sign that the filter needs changed.
Broadway Service is here to help you breathe easier and stay cool. If you feel that your cabin air filter isn't working to its full potential, call us for a service maintenance appointment. Thank you for your continued business and stay safe on the road.
FCA Grain Originator Update:
Harvest continues to roll along as tractors and combines keep moving across the fields. According to the USDA's latest Crop Progress Report, Iowa's corn harvest is 47% complete, while soybean harvest has reached 78%. Meanwhile, corn and soybean futures prices continue to weaken. Last month, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced a processing error in its September corn estimates, specifically affecting Kansas and Nebraska. The correction raised the yield estimate to 178.8 bpa, up from the previously reported 178.5 bpa. October's data was also reviewed and validated. These developments have raised questions among producers about the accuracy of the reports and the procedures used to collect and process the data. In Brazil, election results contributed to downward pressure on soybean prices. The unexpected outcome weakened the Brazilian real, prompting Brazilian farmers to lock in export sales. With markets under pressure, storing grain may be worth considering if it aligns with your farm's marketing strategy. We're here to help! Our Price Later storage contract offers monthly charges without requiring a 90-day in-charge fee. If you have any questions regarding storage rates or grain policies, contact Sarah in Ainsworth at 319-657-2911.
Richland Vision Ag Manager Update:
After a wet start to fall, harvest is now in full swing! Over the past couple months, the guys have been busy cleaning up and winterizing summer equipment, as well as servicing and preparing our dry fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia equipment for the upcoming season. We're working hard to ensure everything is ready to go as soon as the crops are out of the field. Need soil testing done? Be sure to contact Rick to schedule any soil tests you may need. Fall is a great time to evaluate your soil and start planning for next season. It's also the perfect time to start thinking about your seed orders for next year! A few hybrids that have delivered strong yields this season, along with some new options for 2027, include:
Dekalb
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DKC 112-12 RIB
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DKC 7544 RIB
Xitavo
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3555 E
New Wyffels Hybrids for 2027
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6644 RIB
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7544 RIB
As harvest continues, we're looking ahead to next season and helping you get prepared for another successful year. If you have any questions, need agronomy assistance, or are ready to discuss seed options, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Thank you for your continued support of your local co-op! We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the seasons ahead.
Feed Division Manager Update:
This year sure has been different! Hopefully November will be kinder to us, without huge temperature swings and those crazy weather whiplash events. We've been very blessed with fine weather in the last couple of weeks allowing farmers to get into the fields, and we hope the momentum will continue. We currently have a good supply of Aureomycin 10 gram (chlortetracycline) and AS700 on hand. Please get your VFD from your veterinarian so we can get a copy on file of it. Also, on hand is Show-Rite, Rite Fiber Preconditioner from Hubbard, which is a 14% protein or we have Purina Preconditioning Chow at 12% protein. Some other great products we would encourage producers to check out include our QLF, Hubbard, and Purina stress packs, stress lick tubs, and protein tubs! As always thank you for your business and have a safe and productive fall.
Refined Fuels Manager Update:
Now that the weather is cooperating, the harvest is moving along at a pretty nice pace. As the temperature is starting to get colder, now is the time to start protecting the diesel fuel for wintertime use. Around November 1st, all the diesel fuel that the Co-Op sells will have a Cold Flow Improver added to the fuel which will lower the cloud point of fuel to minus 3 degrees. This is the point where crystals start to form and the fuel starts gelling up. For better cold weather protection, you can add Premium #1 Diesel Fuel to the fuel tank. For all your fuel and lubricant needs, call Jason 641-455-4781 in Stockport, Bob at 641-919-4900 in Douds, or Jeff at 319-461-6170 in Keota.
Thank you for your continued support and business! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!