Top Stories
U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year, USDA says
The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to about 1.865 million last year, down from roughly 1.88 million in 2024. The decline spanned nearly all size and sales categories, with smaller operations — particularly those reporting $1,000 to $9,999 in annual sales — posting the...
GROWMARK invests in future ag professionals
Fifty-five students across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, have been awarded $2,000 scholarships through the GROWMARK Foundation, supporting their pursuit of degrees in agriculture or business-related fields. Nearly 805 students applied for the competitive program, with...
Second B99 biodiesel terminal in the nation unveiled in Des Moines
Through a collaborative effort and innovation involving ag groups and agribusiness, the first B99 biodiesel terminal in Iowa was unveiled today in Des Moines. The B99 terminal is located at the Pilot's Des Moines travel center and is one of only two B99 retail pumps...
New campaign against Prop 12 begins
The Center for Environment and Welfare launched a new educational campaign urging Congress to stop the far-reaching consequences of California’s Proposition 12. The Center calls it an “overreaching law” that’s driving up U.S. grocery prices. The “Food Price Fix”...
Food Bank of Iowa appoints familiar face as new CEO
After a nearly six-month national search, the Food Bank of Iowa has appointed a familiar face to be its next president and CEO. Since joining the Food Bank of Iowa in 2016, Tami Nielsen has held several important roles and helped to build many valuable relationships...
NRCS celebrating 90 years and looking ahead to future
The Natural Resources Conservation Service recently celebrated 90 years of protecting soil health and serving farmers to do so. However, they aren’t resting on their laurels. Aubrey Bettencourt, NRCS Chief, said connecting with farmers is something they talk about a...
Spring weather tests crop nutrition, protection plans
The next stage of the 2025 growing season is well underway, as crops emerge across the state and farmers shift their focus to post-emergence crop protection. With applications on the horizon, timing and field conditions will be key. Spring started off warm and dry,...
Video
More Ag News
World’s first large-scale renewable butanediol starts production in Iowa
QORE, a joint venture between Cargill and German-based chemical company HELM, officially started the production of its newest product- QIRA- in Eddyville, Iowa. QIRA is the world's first large-scale renewable butanediol (BDO), which is made from locally grown yellow...
Grassley urges tariff flexibility with fertilizer costs climbing
Fertilizer to grain cost ratios are hitting historic levels and leading to calls for the White House to help protect farmers with flexibility on fertilizer tariffs. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says fertilizer costs are burdening Iowa’s farmers....
AFBF seeking nominations for Farm Dog of the Year
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in cooperation with Nestlé Purina PetCare, is looking for the country’s best four-legged farmhand. Terri Moore, vice president of communications for AFBF, said the Farm Dog of the Year contest is a unique opportunity to showcase...
Beef prices hit record highs in June
Ground beef prices continue hitting record-high levels. Newsweek says that’s despite still shrinking cattle herds and import restrictions set to push costs even higher. Government data says the average price of a pound of 100 percent ground beef rose to $6.12 in June,...
Iowa crops blessed so far, challenges loom
The 2025 growing season has brought a mix of promise and uncertainty to Iowa's farmlands. After years of drought conditions, this year’s plentiful rains have blessed the crops with lush growth, particularly across much of the Corn Belt. However, while the green fields...
