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HPAI detected in a multi-species backyard flock in Washington County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Washington County. This case is Iowa’s fifth detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026. About H5N1 HPAI in Birds H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without...
USDA uses Inflation Reduction funds to keep farmers on their land
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tuesday announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through...
The reasons for rising farmland prices
A recent farmland sale in Plymouth county set a new state record for Iowa going for $26,250 per acre. That sale was for 55 acres and a total of $1.44 million.Karl Setzer, Commodity Risk Analyst with AgriVisor, says there are many reasons why farmland sale prices are...
This year?s crop challenges provide valuable info for future crops
This year was a fairly extreme example of how the weather can interfere with our crops. The eastern part of the state almost got too much rain, but western Iowa had to deal with drought and pest issues. However, this now means we have even more data on how our crops...
Influenza poses a threat to both people and pigs
Flu season is upon us, so it?s important to think about how to keep pigs and their caretakers happy. The National Pork Board (NPB) encourages producers to talk with their families and employees about impacts of the flu, specifically implications to human and herd...
Access to E15 could save drivers billions
In the debate over ethanol and its availability, we have talked about restrictions on when it can be sold and even where it is sold. Proponents of E15 have said that they aren?t trying to force anyone to use the fuel, they just want customers to have a choice. It...
16,000 farmers, ag organizations, submit comments on EPA atrazine proposal
More than 16,000 farmers and agricultural organizations recently united against EPA's proposed revision to its 2020 atrazine registration review decision. The farmers and agricultural organizations representing corn, citrus, grain sorghum, sugar cane, and other crops,...
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Ernst, Stabenow, introduce FARMLAND act
Senators Joni Ernst and Debbie Stabenow this week introduced The Foreign Agricultural Restrictions to Maintain Local Agriculture and National Defense, or FARMLAND Act. The legislation would overhaul the current system that has allowed China?s malign influence to...
Protecting swine from FMD outbreaks
From helping control the spread of rabies to preparing for and responding to foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Public Health (VPH) plays an important role in the U.S. and across the globe. Dr. Doug Ensley, director of VPH,...
Renewable Fuels Association disappointed with EPA?s final RVO rule
The Environmental Protection Agency released the finalized 2023-2025 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes Wednesday to the disappointment of numerous renewable fuel industry groups. The final rule indicates a reduction in ethanol gallons from the volumes that were...
Iowa officials react to EPA Renewable Fuel Standard volumes
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following statement today after the Biden Administration released the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025 via a final rule:?The EPA?s final RFS volumes fail to meaningfully expand access...
USDA investing further in future U.S. ag leaders
USDA announced a $262.5 million investment in higher education institutions to help build the next generation of agriculture professionals across the nation. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said this investment is all about building the future of U.S. agriculture.?If you...
