Top Stories
Health care costs strain families in the countryside
Health care has become one of the most unpredictable and financially draining parts of rural life. Premiums continue to climb, choices remain limited, and many families in agriculture are being forced to make decisions that simply do not feel sustainable. Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says the issues facing his members look almost identical to what Iowa farm families have been experiencing for years. Hawkins says the struggles tied to the Affordable Care Act have left many...
Soybean demand can still grow in livestock industry
The United Soybean Board (USB) is looking at every opportunity to expand demand for U.S. soybeans. And even though the livestock industry is currently the biggest customer for soybeans, there is still plenty of room for growth. USB Chair Philip Good said the dairy...
Tariff aid expected this week or next
With farm margins under pressure, USDA is expected to roll out long anticipated tariff assistance soon. That’s Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce during his Senate confirmation hearing this year. Fordyce says USDA is adding up farm...
USTR holding public hearing on USMCA
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will hold a public hearing this week on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The hearing is in anticipation of a scheduled review of the trade pact set for next year. A keynote session of the U.S. Meat Export...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa value-added grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting applications for the next round of Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants. The highly competitive cost-share grant expands access to Iowa-grown,...
Why animal movement matters in screwworm control
Last week, we focused on the on-farm threats posed by New World Screwworm and the small wounds that can serve as entry points for the fly. But the effort to keep the pest out of U.S. herds goes far beyond the pasture. There is an even bigger challenge tied to the...
Making plans to manage multiple crop threats
Every year, farmers have to deal with many different crop issues, whether it’s pests, diseases, or weeds. Some of these crop threats will even start to impact farmers all at the same time. Dave Hoy, agronomy division manager at LG Seeds, said managing multiple threats...
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More Ag News
Farmers should aim to use a variety of different seed genetics
Every year, farmers deal with a myriad of different crop issues. While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict exactly what issues will come up, there are a few things farmers can try to manage by diversifying their seed. AgriGold agronomist John Brien said the...
USMCA public hearings begin
Public hearings began in Washington, D.C., as part of the mandatory USMCA review process. Over 1,500 public comment-briefs have been submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Briefs were submitted by manufacturing, industrial, and retail sectors...
Global forecast: beef production to fall further in 2025
Beef production in major exporting and consuming regions is projected to decline in 2025, with global output likely to remain under pressure heading into 2026, analysts at Rabobank reported this week. The report indicates the largest volume reductions are expected in...
Pork prices holding above the cost of production
Pork supplies are similar to a year ago, even with hogs being fed to heavier weights before being sent to market. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says demand has been steady for several quarters, and prices continue to remain above the cost of production....
Purina: Cattle condition is key to breeding results
Breeding season may still feel a little ways off, but the work that determines next year’s calf crop is already underway. For beef producers, supporting cows through the stretch between calving and cycling is one of the most important management windows of the year....
