Top Stories
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program. The projects represent more than $1.34 billion in proposed investment, including approximately $573 million in proposed USDA funding. USDA says the projects could increase domestic fertilizer supplies and reduce reliance on foreign...
Opening the playbook on soybean variety selection
Managing soybean cyst nematode can influence more than how farmers protect yield. The resistance needed to manage the pest can also affect which soybean varieties are available to match the other agronomic needs of an individual field. BASF is developing its...
Seed Sovereignty Initiative capitalizes on U.S. seed collection
Yesterday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $180 million investment into the new Seed Sovereignty Initiative. This provides much-needed support for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA...
Diesel tax relief is appreciated, but costs are still high
Earlier this week, President Trump made an executive order to temporarily allow tax-free dyed diesel to be used on highways and defer the federal diesel tax through the end of the year. While farm groups are welcoming any relief this move could provide, many say the...
Fall warmth kickstarts harvest in Iowa
After an abnormally wet September, drier conditions have returned to some of the key row crop growing regions of the country in October. USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the drier conditions are leading to a slow and steady return to harvest activity in...
Farm bill expiration leaves rural programs in uncertainty
The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30, leaving Congress without a new long-term agriculture policy. The Farm Bill covers farm safety-net programs, conservation, crop insurance, food assistance, and other programs important to rural America....
Earlier planted soybeans reshape waterhemp management
Earlier soybean planting has become increasingly common as growers look to extend the growing season and capture more yield potential. But that shift can also change the timing of one of the crop's biggest weed management challenges. BASF Technical Marketing Manager...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-12-26)
The most recent U.S. export sales report was a continuation of the recent trends for the corn markets, but soybeans were uncharacteristically low as well. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were disappointing once again. McBride said the...
Fall migration raises concerns over HPAI
As fall migration continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging livestock and poultry producers to stay vigilant against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). New detections continue to surface in both poultry and dairy operations. Officials say...
The impact of U.S. farmers and ranchers on USDA trade missions
United States agricultural groups are frequently engaged in trade missions and visits to international markets in the hopes of strengthening and expanding relationships and trade to overseas markets. A common theme from those visits to international markets is that...
Secretary Naig invites community meat lockers to apply for Choose Iowa butchery equipment grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today invited small-scale meat processors and custom lockers to apply for a Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 of state funding to purchase cold storage, meat...
Global fertilizer disruptions raise concerns for Iowa farmers
As Iowa farmers prepare for fall fertilizer applications, questions about supplies and prices are becoming increasingly important. Continued conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fertilizer markets, while trade uncertainty between the United States and...
