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EPA backs innovation that works for farmers
As farmers continue to face high input costs, new precision technology could provide opportunities to reduce expenses while also limiting environmental impacts. Doug Jones, agriculture advisor for EPA Region 7, says the agency is watching several new technologies that could help farmers become more precise with fertilizer and crop protection products. Jones pointed to seed and spray technology that can identify and target individual weeds rather than applying herbicide uniformly across an...
Rural America needs more ag tax professionals
Tax season can be a stressful time of year, and that is especially true for farm country. As the number of tax preparers who are familiar with the unique complexities of agricultural income declines, a new program from Iowa State University is being developed to offer...
Rising farmer sentiment in March surprised some industry experts
Despite rapidly rising input prices for farmers the March Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer registered a rise in producer sentiment. Michael Langemeier, the director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, says the rising March...
AFBF continues to push for new farm bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill. More than one month ago, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on a bipartisan basis. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for...
NCGA survey shows rising alarm over fertilizer costs
U.S. corn farmers are growing increasingly concerned about fertilizer affordability and availability, with worries extending beyond the current planting season. That’s according to new survey results released by the National Corn Growers Association. Surveys conducted...
Spring volatility gives way to El Niño watch
Spring weather across Iowa and much of the Midwest has been delivering the kind of rapid temperature swings farmers know all too well. Warm afternoons that hint at an early planting push have quickly been followed by colder air, gusty winds, and even lingering shots...
Quiet April WASDE report still contained important information
The April WASDE report lined up with the market expectations and made virtually no changes this month. However, that’s not to say that the report did not contain valuable information moving forward. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the April WASDE included...
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Secretary Naig announces first round of 2026 urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the first-round of 2026 urban water quality projects, marking the start of a multi-phase investment that will bring new conservation practices to communities of all sizes across the state. These locally led...
E15 heads to House vote under cloud of distrust
A standalone bill allowing nationwide year-round sales of E15 is still expected to receive a vote in the U.S. House this week, but the path to that vote has created growing frustration among many agriculture state lawmakers. The tension began when Speaker Mike Johnson...
Grain markets monitoring three major headlines
The ag marketplace has been all over the place recently. This week alone saw double-digit moves in both positive and negative directions for corn and soybeans, with both markets finishing the week higher. There are a few major news factors that have led to this...
Farm Bureau’s “Farm State of Mind” unveils new mental health resource
The challenges facing farmers and ranchers can take a toll on mental health and well-being. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Farm State of Mind” initiative helps provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health and...
Grassley urges Speaker to get year-round E15 through the House without changes
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to act quickly on year-round E15 in the House Rules Committee. This follows a delay for the legislation in a move to appease Republicans from oil rich states. Grassley says that...
