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NWS cases less than 100 miles from U.S. border
There are over 1,800 active cases of the New World Screwworm in Mexico, and 15 of those cases are now less than 100 miles from the U.S. border. Rear Admiral Michael Schroyer, the associate administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, says that sterile screwworm flies are strategically being placed in areas where they are needed the most. Schmoyer is also the Director of the New World Screwworm Directorate and he says that predictive models are being used to try and project...
U.S. to use tariff funds to offset high fertilizer prices
The Trump administration is preparing to direct tens of billions of dollars from tariffs and renegotiated trade deals toward strengthening domestic fertilizer production, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Speaking before lawmakers during a House...
AG trade deficit drops 42 percent
New numbers from USDA show progress in reducing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, but officials say there is still more work ahead to return to a long-standing trade surplus. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says when the...
Iowa FFA members fight food insecurity at annual convention
Since 2012, Iowa FFA members have helped package pre-made meals to fight food insecurity during the annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. Servant leadership is one of the core values of the FFA, which means that events and opportunities like this truly resonate with...
USDA launches National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech
USDA’s recently launched National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech is designed to help ag-tech companies develop products that can help farmers be more profitable and successful through real world testing. USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics...
Senators introduce bill aimed at stabilizing farm labor costs
U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization,...
U.S. red meat exporters connecting with buyers in Mexico
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb met face-to-face with buyers from across Mexico last week at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s second U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. One of those exporters was Mark Spengler of Greater Omaha Packing Company, who...
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USDA reorganizes FSIS and establishes Food Safety Center in Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), aiming to modernize operations and better align the agency with today’s agricultural landscape. Central to the plan is the creation of a National...
Pilot program targets nitrogen efficiency
As Iowa farmers prepare to get planters rolling this spring, a new soil testing effort is aiming to help producers better manage fertilizer costs while also improving environmental outcomes. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the pilot program focuses on...
Farmers need to have flexible weed control programs
Weeds like water hemp are at the top of every farmer’s mind, especially as planting season rolls along. Producers need to have a broad spectrum of control in their weed management plans, or they will risk having those weeds develop resistances to the products they...
Canada patiently pursuing USMCA despite pressure from U.S.
The Trump administration is demanding what amounts to an ‘entry fee’ from Canada, in the form of agreeing to some concessions just to engage in trade talks relating to the USMCA deal. In particular, the U.S. administration is demanding pre-negotiation concessions from...
Iowa’s official America250 tree planted on Arbor Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and other state leaders gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds today to plant Iowa’s official America250 tree. The event is part of a year-long, statewide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday and honoring Iowa’s...
