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House approves additional farm aid
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved $12 billion in additional farm aid as part of its budget reconciliation package. John Newton, vice president of public policy with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the struggles of the farm economy have made additional aid necessary for producers. Newton says the volatility of input prices is one of the biggest reasons that additional aid is needed. Newton says that it is now up to the Senate to continue working on the legislation. For...
Nursery stage nutrition helps set the stage for maximum potential
Healthy and strong nursery pigs are essential to ensuring that each animal reaches its maximum potential. If a piglet does not receive the essential minerals and nutrients, it can limit their potential in the long run. Jeremiah Nemechek is a tech services nutritionist...
Iowa farmers can cultivate their farm’s brand
In tough economic times, farmers are looking for alternative income streams and ways to increase their profit margins. One way is through direct-to-consumer sales, whether through farmers' markets, roadside stands, or online. In Iowa, the Choose Iowa program has...
U.S. Senate delivers wins for pork producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language. National Pork Producers Council President...
Rare bug near Iowa prompts field warnings
Profit margins are already razor-thin for many Midwest farmers this year, prompting increased diligence in scouting and early detection of crop threats. With careful planning and proactive crop protection strategies in place, most producers felt prepared for the...
Adjuvant technology can assist Iowa’s growers throughout the season
Adjuvants are discussed a lot in the spring during planting season and the immediate timeframe following emergence, but adjuvant technology can be a helpful tool for growers throughout the season. Mark Christianson is a product manager with Helena and says that simply...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-1-25)
Not much has changed for the weather in South America, and the upcoming forecast is still looking to be dry. The dryness should be good for harvest progress, but at some point the weather will get too dry and start to cause some problems. Allendale commodity broker...
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Pork industry eyes impact of MAHA guidelines
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report has finally delivered its long-awaited recommendations, and agriculture is watching closely. The findings are expected to influence how federal agencies shape farm policy, food production, and the role of agriculture in...
Food insecurity will only get worse without federal aid
In a time where there is a large amount of uncertainty surrounding government funding, food banks and pantries across the country are certain of one thing: food insecurity is only going to get worse if things don’t change. Here in Iowa, we are seeing hunger growing in...
Secretary Naig announces 9 Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today nine Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant recipients to expand small-scale meat processing capacity within Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says in a press release that these...
HPAI detected in Nebraska dairy herd
A dairy herd in Nebraska is the latest to test positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. Dr. Roger Dudley, State Veterinarian for Nebraska, said testing confirmed the virus came from dairy cows in California that moved to the state. As...
EPA draft rule on reallocation of RFS refinery exemptions furthers uncertainty
The Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Biodiesel Board reiterated its call for upholding the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard today, in response to the draft rule issued by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the potential reallocation of recently...
