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USDA finalizes stage two of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
Eligible farmers and ranchers are now invited to apply for specific disaster relief. The American Relief Act, passed in late 2024, authorized the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and applications for farmers and ranchers are now open. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the program provides relief from natural disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024. Munch said this program shares some similarities with previous disaster assistance programs, but also...
Senate Ag Committee Senator says China no longer reliable ag trading partner
Senate Ag Committee Republican Roger Marshall of Kansas says China is no longer a reliable ag trading partner. He argues that United States producers need to utilize value-added farm goods to make up for losses in the Chinese market. Value added farm goods are...
Secretary Naig Announces 12 grants to support Iowa specialty crop production
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded Specialty Crop Block Grants to 12 projects across the state. The goal of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of Iowa-grown...
Synchronizing cows brings stronger herd performance and profit
Cattle producers looking to boost profitability may find new value in narrowing their calving window. Recent data from Merck Animal Health shows that synchronizing cow herds can lead to more uniform calf crops and higher returns when it is time to sell. The research...
Corn farmers are seeing the effects of Southern Rust as they harvest
Harvest is continuing to roll along across the state, and while corn yields may initially appear disappointing, the numbers that are coming in are still good. This is made especially true when you consider the presence of diseases this year as well. Southern Iowa LG...
Farm aid package details scarce as the shutdown delays action
The details of the farm aid package for farmers are scarce as the government shutdown has delayed the announcement of aid to farmers and how the payments will be funded. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the trade aid package on Wednesday....
Iowa Beef grant brings real-world nutrition to the classroom
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) Beef Grant Program is fueling the next generation with knowledge and beef! Over 85 schools participated this past year, reaching 13,000 students through hands-on cooking labs and nutrition education. The program provides up to...
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ICA responds to President Trump’s comments on the cattle industry
Yesterday, President Trump made a post to his Truth Social account regarding U.S. cattle producers and his plan to increase beef imports from Argentina in an effort to lower beef prices for consumers. The post is causing what the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA)...
FSA offices resume limited service during shutdown
Farm Service Agency offices are reopening on a limited basis despite the government shutdown. The USDA made this move despite the ongoing stalemate in funding the federal government. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation,...
Grassley urges shift from temporary waivers to permanent E15 legislation
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa is continuing to seek President Trump’s support of Grassley’s bipartisan year-round E15 legislation. Grassley says that at a time when farmers are set to receive aid because of the trade war and low prices for commodities, year-round E15...
Despite challenges, beef demand at 40-year high
For the past year, the drumbeat across cattle country has been lower herd numbers, market fluctuations and rising input costs. Total beef supply tightened by 3% and beef retail prices climbed to an average of $8 per pound. Yet consumer demand for beef surged to a...
Tariffs pressure sheep industry, but opportunities remain
Over the past week, we have been looking at how tariffs and trade disputes have affected several parts of American agriculture, from soybeans and pork to dairy. But those are not the only producers feeling the impact. The American sheep industry has also been caught...
