Top Stories
USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the integrity of U.S agriculture against invasive species and pests is one of the most important priorities for scientific research. Hutchins believes that addressing soil health is necessary to regenerate productivity on U.S. farms. For...
Secretary Naig encourages farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The annual program, which is available to eligible first-time users as well as...
Farming smarter with microbial nitrogen tools
Nitrogen is essential to growing a healthy crop, but it can come with environmental and regulatory challenges. As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for consumers and policymakers, farmers seek solutions that maintain productivity while reducing runoff and...
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
Fiscal year ag trade at the midway point
We have reached the halfway point of the ag trade year, and it is a good time to analyze the numbers for imports and exports thus far. USDA economist James Kaufman says exports are down from last year while imports continue to increase. Kaufman expands on the ag trade...
USDA’s Rollins says Proposition 12 ‘Just not sustainable’
At a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on California Proposition 12 and similar laws that affect livestock production. In response to a question from Committee...
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More Ag News
Iowa State Fair continuing to modernize livestock buildings
The Iowa State Fair is finally back and kicking off tomorrow, August 7th. It’s still the same great event that it’s always been, but fairgoers will notice some thoughtful improvements this year. Areas like the kid’s playgrounds have been made more accessible, and...
H-2A program still needs updating, AFBF says
Farmers and ranchers need a more efficient program for supplying labor. Difficulty finding adequate labor is a common challenge for farmers across the U.S. Phillip Hunter, chair of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Ag Labor Issue Advisory Committee, said...
Better corn rootworm control and tank mix compatibility with Opello™
When it comes to battling corn rootworms, new tools designed to control the yield robbing pest are always welcome. Opello™ insecticide from Syngenta is the latest product to help growers take on below ground pests and could be available as soon as Spring 2026. Kevin...
Choose Iowa kitchen demonstrations highlight local foods and culinary professionals at the 2025 ISF
Choose Iowa will present free cooking demonstrations and food presentations daily at 1 p.m. in The Kitchen inside the Maytag Family Theatre Building throughout the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The Kitchen is located on the Grand Concourse between the Iowa Department of...
25th annual All-State Barn Tour set for this fall
This September, Iowans will have the unique opportunity to step back in time as the 25th Annual All-State Barn Tour takes place across the state. Hosted by the Iowa Barn Foundation, the self-guided tour will run September 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will...
