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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 up in the ripple effects of trade uncertainty, and it is having to adapt both at home and abroad. Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association, said the industry has been forced to adjust as...
Heat dome ridge led to derecho in Upper Midwest
The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of...
U.S. Export Sales Report (7-31-25)
This week’s export sales were back to the great pace that we saw for a while. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said new crop corn sales set a record for this week. On the other hand, McBride said the new crop soybean sales are concerning. McBride said some...
Grassley addresses the chances of a farm bill in 2025
After Congress included farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill, talk in Washington D.C. shifted to crafting a “skinny farm bill” before the end of 2025. The scaled down version of the traditional farm bill would address the remaining ag programs that were...
Ag groups support new trade deals
A series of new trade deals between the United States and countries around the world will directly benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. Groups like the American Farm Bureau support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers...
Iowa farmers facing tough fungicide calls
Wetter conditions and warmer temperatures have set the stage for a more active disease season in Iowa corn fields. Tar spot and northern corn leaf blight have already made their presence known in several areas, and concern is growing as the crop nears critical...
Hot and humid conditions and the impact on agriculture
This week in Iowa has been hot, humid, and wet with frequent rainfall and humidity that has stressed humans and livestock. Iowa is not alone as the United States has featured wide swaths of similar weather. The extremes of the hot and humid weather have been felt in...
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Food Bank of Iowa benefits from Iowa State Fair
One of the most iconic parts of the Iowa State Fair is the food, and there’s always plenty of it. There are also many food competitions that take place in the Elwell building on the west side of the fairgrounds, which do a great job of connecting fairgoers with the...
Draft MAHA Report shows no pesticide restrictions
A draft of the upcoming MAHA report seen by the New York Times will not propose direct restrictions on ultra-processed foods and pesticides that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called “major threats.” If it is adopted, the report on the health of America’s...
Grassley hopeful for year-round E15 legislation in 2025
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that he is hopeful that Congress can pass legislation for year-round E15 sales nationwide in 2025. Grassley adds that if his bill for year-round E15 sales passes, it is likely to happen at the end of the calendar this...
U.S. meat exporters connect with Latin American buyers
Buyers from across Central and South America as well as the Caribbean met face-to-face with U.S. red meat exporters at the 13th Latin American Product Showcase, which is hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the event...
Swanson: Ethanol key to driving Iowa and beyond
The Iowa State Fair has always been a place where farmers and consumers come together, and this year’s Iowa Corn Day put the spotlight on the many ways corn drives the state’s economy. Beyond the food and fuel on display, the Iowa Corn Growers Association used the...
