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National crop ratings dip, Iowa fares better than most
Iowa’s corn and soybean crops have had their fair share of bumps this season, from disease pressure to stretches of unfavorable weather. Even so, fields across much of the state are holding up better than expected, and in many cases better than average. That resiliency stands in contrast to what’s being seen in other growing regions, where crop ratings have slipped and harvest is already shaping up to be more of a struggle. USDA’s latest update underscores the divide, showing Iowa in...
Naig: Conservation, cooperation needed for Iowa water
Iowa agriculture has a responsibility to be a partner in protecting and improving water quality—not just for the benefit of rural communities, but also for our urban neighbors. That partnership was thrust into the spotlight earlier this summer when Des Moines Water...
Managing weeds in Iowa with multiple effective modes of action
For most of the state, this year’s crop season has gone great. The weather has been mostly cooperative, and damage has been kept to a minimum. But if the weather is good for the crops, you can correctly assume that it’s great for weeds as well. Lynn Hurley, account...
Pioneer striving to provide additional protection against corn rootworm
You don’t need a degree in agronomy to understand the threat of rootworms to Iowa’s corn. The pest attacks corn root systems and leads to reduced nutrient uptake, lodging, and yield loss. Macy Marek is a product marketing manager for Pioneer corn and says that Pioneer...
Taking care of farm tires year-round
Whether it’s harvesting, planting, or moving from field to field, tires can make an operation run smoothly or make simple tasks take all day. Greg Jones, Senior Manager for Global Field Engineering at Firestone Ag, said one of the most important things for farmers and...
2025 ISF Super Bull contest gets a $5,000 prize bump
Enter Your Big Bull by August 1 This Is No Bull! Thanks to a generous boost from Chemorse Chemical and the Roadside Bar-and-Grill—and an enthusiastic push from 2024 Super Bull exhibitor Gary Ruebel—the first prize for this year’s Super Bull competition is now a...
New 2026 Hagie sprayers roll off line
The 2026 Hagie STS sprayers are officially here, rolling off the line just yesterday morning at the company’s Clarion, Iowa plant. The new lineup features a series of updates designed to improve comfort, efficiency, and performance. Hagie says these changes were made...
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Taking a look at A-Frame Acres in southwest Iowa
When it comes to raising pigs, giving them plenty of space can be an effective method of promoting herd health. If you can keep your pigs happy and healthy, you’ll end up with an even better product. That’s the goal of A-Frame Acres down in southwest Iowa, where...
Tissue sampling is vital to managing in-season nutrition
The best way to manage in-season nutrition is by letting your crops tell you what they need. This is done through tissue sampling which will provide a checklist of the nutrients your crops are lacking. That is Ryan Steffensen, a branch manager with Helena Agri...
Farmers need to have a seat at the MAHA table
The much-anticipated recommendations from the Make America Healthy Commission will be released soon. In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said the commission must seek farmers' input. Duvall said they appreciate the communication from...
‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa at the 2025 ISF
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 31, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomes Iowa State Fairgoers to indulge in fun ‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa during the annual 11-day event slated for Aug. 7 through Aug. 17 in Des Moines. Choose Iowa, a...
Grain donations could turn harvests into hope
Hunger remains a persistent challenge across the country, affecting people of all backgrounds, incomes, and communities. It’s a crisis that cuts across urban and rural lines alike, with food pantries and assistance programs struggling to keep up as demand grows. More...
