Top Stories
Labor costs may keep rising this year
Labor challenges are among some of the most difficult issues facing farmers and ranchers, especially for those who utilize the H-2A program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, explained how the program works. The Labor Department then uses USDA survey data to calculate the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. However, recent increases in the rate have been difficult for farmers and ranchers to sustain. Boatright said that, while 2026 rates haven’t...
U.S. agricultural trade flourishes under Phase One trade agreement
United States farmers reap the benefits of the U.S.-China Phase One trade agreement. A newly released report outlines progress made within agriculture since the pact was implemented earlier this year.The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and U.S....
Reynolds Announces COVID-19 County Fairs Relief Program
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently announced the launch of the new Iowa County Fairs Relief Program. The program will provide short-term relief to eligible county and district fairs for the purpose of continuing or...
ICGA president outlines organization?s priorities
The year 2020 has been challenging for the state?s farmers, and the Iowa Corn Growers Association has several priorities for the rest of this year and into 2021. Fremont County farmer Carl Jardon serves as ICGA president this fiscal year. While the COVID-19 pandemic...
Wheeler calls on DOJ to investigate environmental organizations funding
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler wants the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate funding for environmental groups. In a letter to the Justice Department, Wheeler cited concerns the groups were receiving secret funding from...
EPA approves dicamba for a five-year label
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Tuesday afternoon that the embattled weed control product known as dicamba would be reregistered for use in 2021. The surprising part was that EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler cleared the use of the product for the...
Soybean harvest nears completion; seed decisions lie ahead
"Six-percent of Iowa's soybean crop remains to be harvested," according to the Crop Progress & Conditions report, out from USDA-NASS. Midwest farmers eagerly await next year's crop season, as harvest wraps up.Chris Souder, DEKALB Asgrow regional agronomy lead for...
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NRCS offers Agricultural Land Easements Program signup
Iowa eligible entities and landowners interested in preserving the future use of their farms may have that opportunity by enrolling their land into a permanent easement through USDA?s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE)....
Weekend Ag Matters: January 15th, 2022
On this week's episode:----more----Brent runs down the latest Ag news headlinesRuss provides his latest faith-based programDustin visits with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike NaigRiley helps promote the upcoming Cow-Calf Conference in Ottumwa
India opening to U.S. pork
The National Pork Producers applaud the U.S. and Indian government?s announcement that U.S. pork exports are on their way into India, the world?s second-most populated country.?After decades of work, a market that had been closed to U.S. pork is getting opened,? NPPC...
Opening Market Podcast – Matt Bennett AgMarket.Net 1-14-22
Markets are mostly lower this morning with some bounce-around action in corn. Eyes are now on this weekend's forecasted rain for South America. Dustin talks with Matt Bennett of AgMarket.Net.
Growmark Foundation announces 2022 scholarship program
The Growmark Foundation is offering its annual $1,500 scholarship program for students in the U.S. and Ontario, Canada.Karen Jones, Growmark?s youth and young producer specialist, says the company and its FS member cooperatives are strong supporters of youth...
