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U.S. farmers turn to specialty crops as profit margins tighten
Some U.S. farmers are turning to specialty crops and alternative enterprises as low commodity prices and high input costs squeeze traditional farm profits. Extension specialists say interest is rising in wine grapes, specialty grains, produce and agritourism ventures. On-farm processing and direct-to-consumer sales are also drawing attention as farmers look to diversify income streams. USDA data show fertilizer, fuel and equipment costs remain elevated, while corn and soybean prices have...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
From hard times to harvest, Iowa farms endure
Farming has never been an easy profession, with challenges that stretch far beyond the farm gate. While agriculture faces its pressures from weather, markets, and regulations, farmers have also endured the ripple effects of global events such as wars, famines, and...
Grassley discusses farmer concerns at Iowa State Fair
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has visited the Iowa State Fair at least once every year since 1974. On Friday he made his annual visit to the fairgrounds and stopped by the Iowa Ag Radio exhibit. Senator Grassley tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network...
Iowa State Fair crowns 2025 Big Boar champion
While it may not have been another record, this year’s big boar at the Iowa State Fair still tipped the scales at a hefty 1,268 pounds. The winning pig, Duke, is owned by Brian Britt out of Monticello, Iowa. Britt said he has raised Duke since he was born. In order to...
Wetter weather leads to enhanced disease pressure
We’ve had a very successful crop year, but the intense amount of moisture recently has led to some concerns. Emily Prevo, an AgriGold agronomist in southern Iowa, said farmers are worried about water pooling and nitrogen runoff from all of the rain. Prevo said the...
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Impending government shutdown needs to be avoided
Every year, Congress needs to pass 12 appropriations bills to keep the government fully funded. With the September 30th deadline quickly approaching, Congress still needs to pass 9 more bills. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Director of Government Affairs Tanner...
NCGA announces winners of Consider Corn Challenge
The Bio Innovations Midwest Conference just concluded in Omaha, Nebraska, where bio-based products and new ideas took center stage. It was the perfect place for the National Corn Growers Association to announce the winners of its 5th Consider Corn Challenge, finding...
Most of the U.S. experiencing unusually warm temperatures for mid-September
Much of the nation has been experiencing above normal temperatures for mid-September. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that despite temperatures remaining warm in the Midwest, the core area of high temperatures will shift soon. Higher than normal temperatures will...
Trump tariffs could fund bailout for US farmers
The Trump Administration is drawing up plans to use tariff revenue to fund a program to support U.S. farmers, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. "There may be circumstances under which we will be very seriously...
Pork industry eyes impact of MAHA guidelines
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report has finally delivered its long-awaited recommendations, and agriculture is watching closely. The findings are expected to influence how federal agencies shape farm policy, food production, and the role of agriculture in...
