Top Stories
Iowa’s experience informs national H5N1 effort
Concerns about H5N1’s potential impact on America’s hog herds have been building for some time, especially since the virus crossed the species barrier in 2024, infecting dairy cattle and a handful of humans. While it hasn’t proven as deadly to mammals as it has to birds, each new species jump brings unique challenges. Animal health experts say the goal now is to get ahead of the curve, understanding how the virus might behave in pigs before it has a chance to take hold. Dr. Anna Forseth,...
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...
EPA grants summertime E15 fuel waiver
On Monday the Environmental Protection Agency announced an emergency fuel waiver to allow the summertime sale of E15 in 2025. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says her group is grateful for the announcement. Skor says the emergency waiver will save drivers money at the...
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More Ag News
U.S. red meat export trend was higher in March
Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef export value was led by strong performances in...
May WASDE report brings strength to soybean prices
The first WASDE report after the official start of planting season had some decently positive aspects, especially in the soybean markets. As for the corn markets, AgMarket.Net Hedging Strategist Robin Schmahl said the corn production estimates were in line with the...
Fiscal year ag trade at the midway point
We have reached the halfway point of the ag trade year, and it is a good time to analyze the numbers for imports and exports thus far. USDA economist James Kaufman says exports are down from last year while imports continue to increase. Kaufman expands on the ag trade...
USDA’s Rollins says Proposition 12 ‘Just not sustainable’
At a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing on the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on California Proposition 12 and similar laws that affect livestock production. In response to a question from Committee...
Modern Ag Alliance pushes late for labeling legislation
Even though the Iowa Legislature was scheduled to adjourn last week, work at the Capitol is far from over. Lawmakers remain locked in negotiations over unresolved budget issues, keeping the session alive past its intended deadline. Amid the ongoing debates, the Modern...
