Top Stories
Enrollment underway for cover crop incentive program
Farmers for Soil Health has opened enrollment for its 2026 cover crop incentive program, offering higher payments and shorter contract terms aimed at encouraging broader participation among row-crop producers. The farmer-led initiative said enrollment will remain open through Aug. 31 for eligible growers in 20 participating states. Farmers raising corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum or cotton may apply regardless of previous cover crop use. Under the updated program, participants can receive...
As the weather warms up, so do the grills
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial start of the summer. At the same time, it’s also thought to be the true kick-off to grilling season. Neal Hull, director of domestic market development with the National Pork Board, says that cooking pork...
AFBF and NFU on Farm Bill passage out of House Ag Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall responded to markup and passage of the Farm Bill out of the House Agriculture Committee Thursday. Duvall says, “We applaud the bipartisan vote after 13 hours of rigorous debate, but know that tight margins in both...
Milk will be front and center for Indy 500
Memorial Day weekend is steeped in many traditions. Many are reflective as we honor the fallen heroes of our armed services. Some are more entertaining, and one of those is the annual running of one of America’s premiere auto racing events, the Indianapolis 500. Just...
Connecting with consumers to put more pork on the plate (Part 2)
Among younger generations in the United States, fresh pork consumption is on the decline. What does that mean for the pork industry and how can the industry adapt to make pork the protein of choice for younger consumers? Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, says...
Thompson proceeding with House farm bill markup
The markup for House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson’s farm bill will move ahead on Thursday despite scores from the Congressional Budget Office that raise questions. The CBO says the scores provided don’t amount to offsets that would allow the bill to be...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-23-24)
The USDA released another low-key export sales report this week, with both corn and soybeans coming within the estimates once again. However, this is looking great for corn, as that market has now seen five consecutive weeks of decent or better export sales. Allendale...
Video
More Ag News
Emerald ash borer has made its way into all 99 Iowa counties
It’s been 14 years since emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive species of insect that kills ash trees, was first detected in Iowa. Now, with the latest confirmation of EAB in Emmet County, EAB has been detected in all 99 counties. The Emmet County samples were...
Farm, biofuel groups press administration for answers on 45Z tax credits
An American Farm Bureau official says the November election and the difficulty of rulemaking could push the ‘45Z’ tax credit rule for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel past a November 1st deadline. The calendar tells the story. AFB Director of Government Affairs...
Pork producers celebrate UN decision on antimicrobials
In a victory for America’s pork producers and swine veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council celebrated a United Nations decision on antimicrobials. NPPC was on hand for the discussion and providing guidance when the U.N. rejected proposed on-farm target...
Dairy Sweet becomes Iowa’s best breaded pork tenderloin contest winner
Dairy Sweet, located in Dunlap, Iowa and owned by Lori and Greg Thomsen, claimed the title of Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2024. This marks a triumphant return to a legacy that began in 2005 when the restaurant first won under the ownership of Lori’s...
Clean energy options are plentiful in rural America
The USDA has announced more funding to construct more clean energy options for rural America. The agency says that it is offering $145 million in funding for 700 loan and grant awards through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, “to help agricultural...
