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Business and housing investments in rural America
Small businesses and housing opportunities in rural America are part of the portfolio of USDA Rural Development and its mission to support expanded rural economic development and quality of life. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith says investments have helped to strengthen rural economies. Smith also points to the investment that has been made in rural housing. That was USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith.
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
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....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
Harvest Relief Program is a good first step, but there’s still work to do
While farmers do need and appreciate the help provided by the Harvest Fuel Relief program, a long-term solution is still needed to protect the nation’s ag industry. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said a comprehensive farm bill would go a long way in...
New market access driving interest in U.S. meat at SIAL Paris
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork and lamb met with buyers from around the globe this week at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food shows. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a pavilion of red meat exporters made possible through support from USDA’s...
Trends and takeaways from the October Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the October Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the report provided us clues on the direction of the United States cattle herd. The placements number was below trade expectations; USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer provides the data. Fischer says...
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Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
Trade policy affecting farmer voting decisions nationwide
Midterm elections are less than a week away, and the farm community has been a hot topic among many of the candidates running for office. There are many ag issues to consider, but one of the most impactful issues from the federal government has been the Trump...
Gut health key for the youngest in the herd
Dairy calves are an investment in the long-term success of an operation. That’s why the dairy industry is so invested in researching genetics and nutrition. Olivia Genther-Schroeder, a dairy feed research scientist with Purina Animal Nutrition, says gut health is an...
Stay prepared for emergencies when pumping manure
Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs with the National Pork Board, emphasized that every farm should have an emergency action plan in place before an emergency occurs, with all employees properly trained. Pit foam is a thick layer of methane gas that can...
HPAI detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac...
