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U.S. Senators call for more action against NWS
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging the USDA to take additional steps to contain the growing New World Screwworm outbreak in the U.S. The lawmakers, led by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, sent a letter to USDA expressing concern about the threat the parasite poses to livestock, wildlife, pets, and rural economies. According to the senators, USDA has confirmed 12 active cases of New World Screwworm since early June. "We urge the USDA to take further immediate action to contain and...
Lame duck session seen as last chance to save farm bill
The legislation that would set food and farm policy for the next five years is in limbo, waiting for lawmakers to decide its fate after the election. The latest deadline for the Farm Bill passed unceremoniously at midnight on Sept. 30, without a push from lawmakers to...
2025 Farmer’s Almanac has something for everyone
We have seen it on shelves in various stores for years. The Farmer’s Almanac has a devoted following of people who read it and take its information to heart. Many believe that the information contained is the best estimate of what we can expect throughout the year. It...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-3-24)
This is the time of year where we expect export sales to surge, and this week’s report has shown exactly that. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Even though those sales indicate that the USDA doesn’t need to...
Harvest corn early to increase yields and profits
With harvest underway, a key decision is how long to let corn dry in the field. Greg Trame, regional sales director for GSI, said recent research demonstrated that harvesting early can help farmers maximize their yield and return on investment. Trame said a recent...
Grassley says he can’t accept pre-conferenced lame duck farm bill
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says he and others can’t accept a ‘slap-dab’ farm bill in a lame-duck session, while another has called for a long-term extension and short-term relief amid a bleak farm economy. Iowa GOP Senator Chuck Grassley says a...
EPA finalizes rule on pesticide exclusion zones
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard. The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are...
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Reaching pork consumers through their preferred media
Pork producers have made their voices heard and the National Pork Board is embracing their call to help drive the demand for pork. This spring the NPB will be unveiling a new pork marketing campaign that has been crafted through research and data aimed at...
Iowa schools help promote pollinators
Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator seed starter kits to 10 Iowa schools. The seed starter kits give K-12 students hands-on experience growing and planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly wildflowers. Insect pollinators and monarch butterflies are...
Stine Seed focusing on working closer with growers
No matter what seed you select, a crop will only reach its maximum potential yield with the proper management practices. But with how much data goes into those decisions, that’s easier said than done. Stine Seed President Myron Stine said they are focusing more on...
California’s Prop 12 isn’t the only legislation of its kind
California’s Prop 12 is well known within the U.S. pork industry for causing challenges in selling products into the state. However, it’s not the first time that a state has tried this. Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, said something...
You can’t move forward if you’re only looking back
Recognizing and appreciating your past accomplishments is essential, reminding you of how far you’ve come and the challenges you’ve overcome. However, if you dwell too long on past successes, you risk losing sight of new opportunities and growth. True progress comes...
