Top Stories
Extreme heat creating concerns for Iowa’s livestock and crops
The extreme heat in recent days has felt more like late July or August and is causing stress for livestock and crops in Iowa. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the more immediate concern is for livestock. High humidity and overnight temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s is exacerbating stress for livestock, says Rippey. Corn and soybeans are more resilient to the excessive heat as they have not yet reached the reproductive stage of the growing season. That was USDA meteorologist Brad...
Tariff volatility continues with 90-day pause
The past week has been full of tariff whiplash. President Trump yesterday announced a 90-day pause in the reciprocal tariffs in place on many U.S. trading partners. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the...
Ag economist says outlook for ag is not promising
One of the country's leading ag economists says the economic forecast for agriculture in 2025 and beyond does not look promising. Dr. Joe Outlaw, a professor and extension economist at Texas A&M University, says that the forecast for ag in the next five years...
ICPB to hold director elections for USDA crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9
Since 1978, Iowa corn farmers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program. On July 15, 2025, corn farmers in crop reporting districts 2, 5, 7 and 9 can vote...
Beef still rules the meat case
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices, beef has defied expectations at the meat counter. Historically, tighter household budgets tend to push consumers toward more affordable proteins like pork and chicken. Yet, in a surprising shift, beef has...
Sticking with financial plans during economic volatility
It’s no secret that the economy is extremely volatile right now. Things were looking pretty grim after President Trump announced his plan for widespread tariffs, and now the markets have shot back up following his announcement today that the retaliatory tariffs will...
There’s nothing micro about the importance of micronutrients
Micronutrients play a huge role in the success of our crops, especially here in the Corn Belt. Tim Laatsch, North America director of agronomy with Koch Agronomic Services, said a deficiency in micronutrients impacts the overall health and potential yield of both corn...
Video
More Ag News
Grassley discusses trade war impact on Iowa’s farmers
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was in Iowa this week to continue his yearly 99 county tour with question-and-answer sessions during his stops. Senator Grassley says he was asked by Iowans about the potential for payments to farmers impacted by trade...
Egg production down year-over-year
U.S. egg production totaled 8.63 billion in March 2025, a 7% drop from the same month last year. That figure includes 7.35 billion table eggs and 1.28 billion hatching eggs — with 1.18 billion from broiler-type hens and 104 million from egg-type hens. The average...
U.S. Export Sales Report (4-25-25)
The export sales might seem a little low this week, but getting any sales with the state of the global economy and President Trump’s tariffs is a good thing. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn export numbers from the USDA....
Congress must act to protect family farms
Farmers and ranchers could face higher estate taxes if Congress fails to act before the end of the year. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains provisions that are set to end in 2025, many of which are beneficial to farmers and ranchers. Samantha Ayoub, an associate...
More farmers are tapping into the power of AI
As agricultural technology continues to evolve, farmers are finding faster and more accurate ways to produce their goods. Among the latest tools gaining traction in the farming community is AI, a technology once known mostly for helping students with research or...
