Top Stories
Mental health pressure builds for Iowa farmers but help exists
As agriculture heads toward another challenging season, rural health professionals say the mental strain on farmers continues to grow. Market uncertainty, weather concerns, and long hours can weigh heavily on producers. While conversations around mental health have become more open in recent years, many farm families still struggle to ask for help. Psychiatric nurse practitioner Heidi Bradley with Integrated Telehealth Partners says agriculture presents a unique set of stressors that can...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-21-25)
After last week’s market news chaos, this week was much calmer. Export sales were great for corn and decent for soybeans. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said corn sales set another weekly record. Soybeans still have some issues to work out, but this week’s...
U.S. and EU issue a joint statement on trade framework
The U.S. and the European Union announced that they’ve agreed on a Framework of an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade. Among the key terms, the EU intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and provide preferential market access for a...
Lower beef production, higher steer prices
Beef supplies continue to tighten, yet consumer demand remains strong. That has led to a one-way street for beef prices with the price continuing to climb for consumers. USDA’s August forecasts for beef production and steer prices also demonstrate the effect of...
Pork- a “friend to all foods”
Pork is often called a “friend to all foods” thanks to its versatility and being a carrier food. As one of the most widely consumed proteins globally, it's a natural fit for various meals. Emily Krause, director of nutrition, health, and wellness initiatives at the...
Iowa Corn Day puts spotlight on everyday impact
The Iowa State Fair is always a showcase for agriculture, and on Iowa Corn Day, the spotlight turns to the state’s leading crop. From food and fuel to global exports, corn’s impact reaches far beyond the fairgrounds. It’s also a chance for leaders in the industry to...
Cooperative Iowa weather has led to rapid crop growth
This year’s weather has been mostly outstanding for the crops, and that is easy to see when you look at your nearest corn and soybean fields. Too much rapid growth can cause problems, however, and Iowa farmers are seeing that this year. David Hoy, northeast Iowa...
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More Ag News
Pork producers can’t forget about the dangers of African Swine Fever
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant when it comes to foreign animal diseases. Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for the National Pork Board, said they’re keeping an eye on multiple diseases, including African Swine Fever. Petersen said African...
EU looking to further delay deforestation regulation
The European Commission has once again begun the process to delay implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said that is good news for the U.S., as the U.S. and several EU countries...
Agribusiness retailers facing uncertainty amid trade war
The trade war between the United States and many of its top trade partners has created tariff uncertainty for agribusiness across the United States. Charles Baron is a co-founder of Farmers Business Network and says the unknowns of the trade war has created hurdles...
USDA issues second assistance payment to producers
The USDA will issue a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payment to eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. Of the authorized $10 billion in ECAP assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already provided over $8 billion in payments to eligible...
From global shocks to local fields: Farmers pay the price
From war zones to shipping lanes, the ripple effects of geopolitical tension are reaching all the way back to Iowa’s farm gates. Farmers aren’t just watching world headlines for grain prices anymore—they’re also seeing how conflicts, trade disputes, and policy shifts...
