Top Stories
Ag trade deficit hit another record high in July
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit widened further in July, highlighting the challenge facing President Donald Trump as he vows to reverse the trend. Agricultural exports lagged imports by $4.97 billion in July, a gap 9% wider than a year earlier and the largest on record for the month. That pushed the sector’s deficit to an unprecedented $33.6 billion for the first seven months of the year, according to data released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The widening farm trade gap...
Iowa producers urge action on farm bill & trade
In yesterday’s coverage, we noted the wide range of policy issues weighing on Iowa farmers. Today’s focus narrows to two of the most immediate priorities: passing a comprehensive farm bill and addressing ongoing trade challenges. While the Reconciliation Bill approved...
IFB celebrates Farm Bureau Day at 2025 Iowa State Fair
Farm Bureau Park is one of the top locations at the Iowa State Fair, and that’s especially true during Farm Bureau Day, which took place on August 12th. It’s a great opportunity to visit with producers and connect them with consumers for a great educational...
Farmland real estate values hit record high
A new USDA report on farmland shows the highest values in history. USDA’s Land Values Summary confirmed another increase in the value of U.S. farmland. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the value rose 4.3 percent- which comes out...
“Bud” claims the crown of Super Bull at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
The champion of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Bull competition is “Bud,” a 3,110-pound Angus bull owned by Mark Till of Maquoketa. Till acquired the 7-year-old bull as a five-year-old from John and Bridget Costello of Delmar. Mark Till tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio...
Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards presented to 40 farm families at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon honored 40 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. This prestigious award celebrates...
Iowa farmers voice concerns to Ernst & cabinet officials
The Iowa State Fair is a place of celebration, tradition, and community pride, but this year’s festivities are unfolding against a backdrop of economic strain. For many farmers walking the fairgrounds, the joy of reconnecting with friends and showcasing agriculture is...
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More Ag News
Wehrbein: Market highs bring relief and uncertainty
Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health...
Keeping pigs cool during hot summer months
During the hot Iowa summer months, it is highly important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark Oberreuter, ag engineer at Automated Production, said pigs are just as susceptible to heat...
Secure Pork Supply Plan can help Iowa pig farmers
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, helps producers proactively plan for enhanced biosecurity, animal traceability, and disease monitoring for both foreign animal disease outbreaks endemic diseases. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health for the National Pork...
Northwest Iowa crops standing strong against wind damage and disease pressure
At this point of the growing season in Iowa, the crops look outstanding and early reports from the field are calling for bin busting yields. However, there are still concerns about the threats to crops that can rob yield on the way to the finish line. Northwest Iowa...
USDA issues August livestock report
Based on the mid-year cattle report, a further tightening is expected of calves available for placement in late 2025 and early 2026. The report also suggests steady but gradual changes to inventories of beef cows and replacement heifers. That means the 2025 and 2026...
