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IDALS issues guidance to protect animals from New World Screwworm
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued the following guidance for livestock producers, pet owners, and veterinarians to help protect animals from the parasitic New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. The guidance comes after multiple cases of NWS have been detected in livestock in Texas and one infestation was confirmed in a canine in New Mexico. All livestock caretakers and pet owners should routinely inspect animals for open wounds. If maggots are detected in an open...
AG trade deficit drops 42 percent
New numbers from USDA show progress in reducing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, but officials say there is still more work ahead to return to a long-standing trade surplus. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says when the...
Iowa FFA members fight food insecurity at annual convention
Since 2012, Iowa FFA members have helped package pre-made meals to fight food insecurity during the annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. Servant leadership is one of the core values of the FFA, which means that events and opportunities like this truly resonate with...
USDA launches National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech
USDA’s recently launched National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech is designed to help ag-tech companies develop products that can help farmers be more profitable and successful through real world testing. USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics...
Senators introduce bill aimed at stabilizing farm labor costs
U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization,...
U.S. red meat exporters connecting with buyers in Mexico
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb met face-to-face with buyers from across Mexico last week at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s second U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. One of those exporters was Mark Spengler of Greater Omaha Packing Company, who...
Rollins points to demand drivers for corn
As farmers prepare to get the 2026 crop in the ground, attention is turning to both demand and costs, and how the balance between the two could shape the year ahead. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...
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Farmers face another year of tight margins
U.S. farmers are entering another growing season with tight profit margins as lower crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty weigh on the outlook for 2026. Corn and soybean prices remain below levels seen during recent highs, while expenses for...
Prop 12 repeal rides with Farm Bill to House floor
As the House prepares to take up the Farm Bill this week, pork producers are watching closely to see if Congress will finally address California’s Proposition 12. The National Pork Producers Council has made repeal of Prop 12 one of its top priorities, and Todd...
High diesel prices bite into Food Bank of Iowa’s budget
Gas prices have hit the highest level in four years, and with no end to the Iran war in sight, the impacts of these elevated prices will be felt for the foreseeable future. Diesel prices in particular have increased even more quickly, surging up 45% since the...
House farm bill and E15 legislation survives stall over debate rule
The quest to pass a new farm bill with legislation for year-round E15 hit another temporary roadblock on Wednesday in the U.S. House. Several Republicans joined the Democrats to initially deny the simple majority to bring up the farm bill, year-round E15, and several...
USDA details plan to boost fertilizer availability
Fertilizer prices have been a thorn in the side of farmers for several years and the conflict with Iran has only worsened the problem with the strait of Hormuz closure slowing shipping. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced measures to alleviate some of the...
