Top Stories
Iowa farmers experiencing skyrocketing land values
Farmland values hit all-time highs this year even as the rate of increase has slowed. Farmers and ranchers have experienced firsthand the ever-increasing value of farmland, and a new analysis lays out those numbers. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says prices have hit record highs despite a cooling in the rate of price increases. Munch says that farmers and ranchers who own land will have stronger balance sheets thanks to rising land values, but this brings...
Former ISU professor to receive prestigious USMEF award
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the 2025 recipients of its two most prestigious awards, who will be honored Nov. 13 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted...
Secretary Naig, Governor Reynolds encourage farmers to plant fall cover crops
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Governor Kim Reynolds are encouraging Iowa farmers to plant cover crops this fall to improve water quality and save money on next year’s crop insurance premiums. The savings are offered through the Iowa Department of Agriculture...
Experts doubt Argentina beef plan will have significant benefit
The Trump administration is proposing to increase beef imports from Argentina as a way to balance supplies and bring relief to consumers facing high prices. However, many in the livestock industry say the move would do little to address the core issues driving the...
Canada believes tariffs will continue despite upcoming hearing
President Donald Trump said that he, personally, wants to attend next month’s Supreme Court hearing on his tariff policies. Beginning November 5th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether the president can unilaterally impose tariffs under emergency...
Rollins announces immediate farm aid, reopening of FSA offices
In response to mounting pressure from farmers and their legislators, President Trump has authorized the early release of emergency farm aid, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The president directed USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to immediately free up $3 billion...
IDALS urges Iowans to be on the lookout for spotted lanternflies
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is asking Iowans to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly (SLF) insects. The colorful but invasive and destructive insect is native to Asia and was unintentionally introduced into Pennsylvania in 2014....
Video
More Ag News
Breaking down the USDA December Cattle on Feed Report
While the overall number of cattle in the United States remains at extremely low levels, the trend of lower cattle inventories in feedlots is continuing. That is reflected in the December USDA Cattle on Feed Report says USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell....
Six individuals appointed to NPB Board of Directors
The National Pork Board (NPB) welcomes five appointees to serve a three-year term ending in June 2028, and one appointee to serve a two-year term ending in June 2027. Congratulations to the following producer leaders: • Chad Groves, Kansas • Jessica Stevens,...
Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability...
Looking back on 2025 and preparing for 2026 in the swine industry
It’s important for pig farmers to take a close look at the balance sheet because it helps set the fundamental outlook moving forward into the coming year. Lee Schulz, chief economist with Ever.Ag, says one of the key highlights has been production, which was projected...
USTR taking measured approach on Nicaragua
The USTR recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will initially be set at zero but is set to...
