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More details released for USDA bridge payment program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced details of the bridge assistance payment program for specialty crop growers. Up to $1 billion was set aside in December for specialty crop growers to receive financial help through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the aid will go to farmers based on a rate that is still to be announced. While there are still some specifics to be announced,...
How does reconciliation bill affect the farm bill process?
On Tuesday during his weekly ag conference call with farm broadcasters and reporters United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) discussed the future of the farm bill process. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig and other Democrats have warned that...
Strengthening Ag infrastructure, one link at time
Commodity organizations do far more than promote crops and expand global markets—they’re deeply involved in helping farmers succeed on multiple fronts. From building trade partnerships to developing new uses for what we grow, they help create opportunity and...
Iowa student among Helena scholarship winners in 2025
Helena Agri-Enterprises is awarding Gavin Sloss of Guthrie Center with the Homegrown® Scholarship worth $1,000 to pursue a higher education. Sloss is a graduate of ACGC High School and is entering Iowa State University to study agricultural studies. Helena’s Homegrown...
Record ethanol production slows ahead of summer driving demand
The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving...
Vietnamese delegation signs MOUs for grain trade in Des Moines
A trade delegation led by the Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to purchase approximately 7.5 million metric tons of U.S. ag products on Monday. The signings took place at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines between...
Rain has been falling across Iowa in some large bursts
The weather has brought plenty of rain for most parts of the state recently, and it has done so in large bursts. In fact, some parts of central Iowa saw over 4.5 inches of rain in a single day. This is great for the soil moisture profiles, but it was almost too much...
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Iowa producers watching Prop 12 situation closely
Pork and egg producers across the country were paying close attention yesterday as the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on California's Proposition 12. California voters passed Prop 12 in 2018 essentially banning the sale of conventionally raised pork and...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-24-25)
Corn sales rebounded this week after a disappointing performance last week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of this week’s numbers. McBride said bean sales looked weaker at first glance, but strength remained in the old crop numbers. McBride...
Farmland values remain firm at midway point of 2025
Despite challenges with the commodity markets and widespread uncertainty regarding profitability, farmland values are remaining steady at the midway point of 2025. Paul Shadegg, Senior Vice President of Real Estate with Farmers National Company, explains the economics...
Secretary Naig announces grants for 24 projects to bolster access to biodiesel, E15 in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved an additional 24 applications from Iowa fuel retailers to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects. These investments...
Naig: Conservation, cooperation needed for Iowa water
Iowa agriculture has a responsibility to be a partner in protecting and improving water quality—not just for the benefit of rural communities, but also for our urban neighbors. That partnership was thrust into the spotlight earlier this summer when Des Moines Water...
