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Examining ways to lower fertilizer and fuel costs
The United States war in Iran is contributing to higher input costs for farmers. Fertilizer and fuel costs are rising due to the slowdown of shipping and inability to transport goods safely through Middle East shipping lanes. This is adding to the costs of nitrogen sources and fuel for farmers in the United States. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked if there are any immediate steps that can be taken to help lower prices on fertilizer and fuel soon. Grassley says that...
Trump order protects glyphosate, phosphate production
President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to protect the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order says these two critical inputs are essential to military readiness and...
Fly season approaching fast for Iowa livestock producers
As livestock producers look ahead to warmer temperatures, fly pressure is already part of the conversation across much of the Midwest. While flies are often viewed as a seasonal annoyance, industry experts say their impact can reach far beyond irritation, affecting...
Iowa ag professionals encouraged to broaden their industry knowledge
A new statewide program is available for mid-career Iowa ag professionals to increase their industry knowledge and professional development in 2026. America’s Cultivation Corridor is hosting the Cultivate 360 program in order to deepen the understanding of Iowa’s food...
CoBank projects increased soybean acres in 2026
A new report from CoBank said farmers may be planting more soybeans in 2026. Tanner Ehmke, the lead economist for grains and oilseeds, talked about the numbers. Ehmke said most of the basis price problems appear to be limited to the Dakotas. On the other hand,...
Iowa Century Farms celebration will tie legacy to America250
As Iowa prepares to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, state agriculture leaders are encouraging farm families to take part in a long-standing tradition that honors generations of stewardship on the land. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now...
NCBA starts at the grassroots
Buck Wehrbein is the outgoing president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Wehrbein tells the Iowa Ag Radio Network that his year as president in 2025 went by in a flash. He says profitability for producers is in a great spot and is hopeful that the current...
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Valent’s Rapidicil getting closer to commercialization
At last year’s Commodity Classic show in Denver, Valent U.S.A. unveiled its newest active herbicide ingredient, Rapidicil. Since then, research has shown that Rapidicil can help control a variety of weeds when paired with tank mix partners. Pat Clay, product...
Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric...
The proof of pork demand is in consumer data
The National Pork Board has a comprehensive business intelligence team analyzing data throughout the supply chain, including consumer preference, volume, value, and purchase trends. Kiersten Hafer, NPB vice president of business intelligence and innovation, said they...
Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs
A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten...
Mental health pressure builds for Iowa farmers but help exists
As agriculture heads toward another challenging season, rural health professionals say the mental strain on farmers continues to grow. Market uncertainty, weather concerns, and long hours can weigh heavily on producers. While conversations around mental health have...
