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Naig says Congress has wasted enough time
As the government shutdown drags into its twenty-eighth day, frustration across the country is boiling over. From farmers waiting on FSA offices to reopen, to families relying on SNAP benefits, real Americans are paying the price while Congress remains stuck in its own political bubble. The gridlock in Washington has become more than just a nuisance; it is a growing crisis with consequences that deepen by the day. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the patience of rural America has...
Warm temperatures will bring harvest here before we know it
The end of this crop year has been defined by disease pressure, specifically from diseases like Southern Rust and Sudden Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, farmers who did not prepare with fungicides are already seeing significant yield losses. Southwest Iowa Beck’s...
Iowa rural roadway safety considerations during harvest season
Rural roadway safety is one of the biggest safety challenges during harvest season. Dan Neenan of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety says that rural drivers need to demonstrate patience as farmers share the roadways. Neenan says that motorists and...
Fertilizer decisions for 2026 crop will be a balancing act
Fertilizer prices aren’t at historic highs, but relative to last year’s prices and the current prices for crop commodities, they are elevated. According to data from USDA and analysis by University of Illinois Farmdoc, fertilizer prices in the state are 6% to 20%...
USMEF Heartland team reviews market investments in Korea
A team of producers representing the pork, beef, corn and soybean industries visited Korea last week to see first-hand the investments the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is making in the market. Korea is the leading export market for U.S. beef, with purchases...
Rollins: Mexico cooperation key to screwworm defense
The New World screwworm has not entered U.S. herds, but the threat has officials on guard. The parasite can devastate livestock, particularly cattle, and poses risks to any mammal. A recent case in a U.S. traveler returning from El Salvador underscored that danger....
September WASDE leaves analysts scratching their heads
This month’s WASDE report was not as friendly as projected, but the markets still moved higher to end the week. A few factors, including the recent end of the old crop marketing year, may be influencing the markets in confusing directions. Allendale commodity broker...
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Nutrien’s ‘Click and Mortar’ approach powers new hub
Nutrien Ag Solutions has introduced a new digital platform designed to make farm management easier and more connected. The Nutrien Hub, recently released, serves as a one-stop shop where growers can securely access account information, review invoices, make payments,...
Tassel wrap issues originate from seed genetics
One of the biggest crop issues this year was tassel wrap, which severely limited the ability of affected corn plants from pollinating. This issue is also unique in that it isn’t caused by a pest or disease- tassel wrap is actually a genetic issue. As a result, some...
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-23-25)
While the weather is not too different from the usual in South America, the economy in Argentina is seeing some rough times. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress...
Strong demand and value for U.S. Pork
Many global purchasers recognize the value U.S. Pork brings to their customers as they make purchases of trusted U.S. Pork products. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, says that strong demand from international...
Secretary Naig welcomes grant applications for urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is accepting pre-applications for cost-share grants to support urban conservation and water quality projects as part of the state’s Nutrient Reduction...
