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NPPC targets Prop 12, trade, labor in D.C.
The National Pork Producers Council is taking its top policy priorities directly to Capitol Hill this week as pork producers gather in Washington, D.C. for the group’s Legislative Action Conference April 15 and 16. Rob Brenneman, president of NPPC and a pork producer from Washington, Iowa, says one of the most important parts of the conference is making sure lawmakers hear directly from the people affected by the decisions they make. A major focus of this year’s conference is preserving the...
Breaking down the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports
The USDA released both the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports on March 31st. Heading into the day, the markets were anticipating big news from the planting acres, but it seems that there was more to react to in the grain stocks report. Allendale...
Trump administration steps up as Congress fails to pass year-round E15
After Congress failed to act on key biofuels policy- namely year-round E15- the Trump administration is reportedly stepping up to the plate to get something more permanent done. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said recent announcements have...
What is the next step for year-round E15 legislation?
Last week the EPA issued a waiver to allow for summertime E15 sales across the country in 2026. However, permanent legislation for E15 sales year-round is still a priority for many Midwest politicians hoping to provide certainty for farmers and retailers. United...
Secretary Naig presents 2026 Ag Leader Awards for outstanding contributions to Iowa agriculture
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized one individual and two organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success, resilience, and growth of Iowa agriculture during the 14th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on March 30 in...
Nitrogen ROI matters more in 2026
With tighter crop margins forcing farmers to scrutinize every input dollar this season, nitrogen management remains one of the biggest opportunities to protect return on investment. Ron Calhoun with Nutrien says the focus is not simply cutting nitrogen, but improving...
Taking the guesswork out of fungicide applications
Figuring out when to apply fungicide can be a difficult task. There are certain things farmers can look for, but, overall, it remains mostly as an educated guess. Pioneer has a new tool that will help eliminate that guesswork and maximize yield potential. Trent Brisby...
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Biologicals can give your crops another advantage during the growing season
While last year brought its own unique crop challenges, it did provide an opportunity to learn more about the genetics and treatments farmers use for their corn and soybean seeds. Whether it was disease pressure or heat stress, certain treatments allowed crops to...
AFBF applauds grazing MOU between USDA and Department of Interior
The Departments of Agriculture and Interior have recently announced plans to formalize collaboration between the two agencies when it comes to grazing on public lands. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau, said these...
Status of Mexican cattle reentry into the U.S.
One of the biggest questions in animal agriculture is, when will cattle from Mexico once again be allowed across the southern U.S. border? In late February at Commodity Classic, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the border will not be reopened until the...
USDA sets April loan rates as farmers weigh borrowing costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced updated loan interest rates for April, offering a key benchmark for producers making financing decisions ahead of the planting season. Operating loans are set at 4.75%, while farm ownership loans will carry a 5.75%...
Know your number now on SCN
Even with BASF’s new Nemasphere soybean technology still targeted for a future launch, company officials say growers should already be taking steps to understand how much soybean cyst nematode may be costing them in today’s fields. Justin Moritz, BASF trait technology...
