Top Stories
Boozman defends excluding Prop 12 from farm bill
Senate Ag Chair John Boozman shares reasons for his decision not to limit the out-of-state reach of California’s Prop 12 restriction on extreme animal confinement in his farm bill draft. Boozman says although Republicans are ready to vote to restrict California’s animal confinement standards, the same can’t be said about Democrats. For Bozeman, without Democrats' votes, there is not much that can be done. He concludes with what is needed for something concrete to happen. California represents...
Takeaways from annual USDA crop production report
Market reaction was swift following the publication of reports last Friday from the USDA including the annual crop production report. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer says changes made to corn and soybean yields were the focus. Those changes were made in the final...
Another strong month for red meat exports in November
November exports of U.S. red meat posted year-over-year gains across all categories, according to data released by USDA and compiled by The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. pork exports remained on a record pace. Beef...
Will $10 billion in economic payments offset farm income losses?
Researchers are still projecting negative returns for grain producers even after assistance from Washington, highlighting the extent of the downturn in the agricultural industry. U.S. farmers and ranchers have access to $10 billion in economic aid as part of the farm...
USB Executive Committee looks to increase demand in 2025
The United Soybean Board (USB) tirelessly promotes the soy industry here and abroad. By funding the Soybean Checkoff, they are building a strong return on investment for every dollar farmers invest. Iowa Farmer Rob Ewoldt knows first-hand what the USB’s work is doing...
January WASDE causes big moves in corn and soybean prices
As we’ve been reporting on throughout the week, many estimates for the January WASDE said that it would likely be a rather uneventful report. The USDA loves to prove us wrong though, and they did that today by making cuts to both the corn and soybean numbers while...
PFI sees promising growth at annual conference
As they continue to grow across Iowa, the Practical Farmers of Iowa are hosting a record number of attendees at their annual conference. Liz Kolbe, farmer-led education director with the Practical Farmers of Iowa, said this year’s event is packed with information for...
Video
More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-29-25)
Drier conditions are returning to South America, which is typical at this time of year. However, Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there is some light rain in the forecast for Brazil. Argentina is more definitively dry, which is good for harvest and...
NCBA provides update on status of New World screwworm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was notified late last fall about the detection of New World screwworm in Mexico. Since then, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has worked closely with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)...
NRCS celebrates 90 years of service
The 90th anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service was recognized Friday in ceremonies at USDA headquarters in Washington DC. NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt says the NRCS has played a large role in conservation efforts nationwide, but that work was also...
Off-farm income keeping some operations afloat
For most U.S. farm households, income from off-farm jobs like teaching, driving a bus, or managing a bank branch helps keep an operation running. In 2023, an AFBF Market Intel Report says 23 percent of farm household income for farm families comes from farming itself,...
IDALS supports urban & rural initiatives for clean water
As we kick off National Soil and Water Conservation Week, we realize that water quality has long been a hot-button issue in Iowa, drawing attention from communities across the state. While much of the spotlight has been on how farmers are working to protect and...
