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Interior seeks flexibility on predator management
When I visited Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about several wildlife management issues affecting western ranchers. Among the topics discussed were wolves and grizzly bears, both of which continue to generate debate between livestock producers, wildlife advocates, and government regulators. Budd-Falen said wolf management remains particularly complex because different populations are...
Cattle industry reflects on policy wins from 2025
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is wrapping up another busy year in the cattle industry. While there were plenty of struggles to overcome in the past twelve months, there are many victories to celebrate as well. ICA Director of Government Affairs Kelli Wicks said...
Now is the time to finally get E15 year-round
E15 is a part of President Donald Trump’s America First energy plan, and it’s time for Congress to pass legislation to allow for its year-round sale. It’s a common-sense solution that lowers costs and the pump and strengthens America’s energy independence. Growth...
Innovations advancing real Christmas tree popularity
Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity over the years but innovations in the real Christmas tree industry in the last decade have provided a surge in popularity for the real deal. Christmas tree grower John Tillman of Washington state says recent...
Naig says farmers use crop protection tools responsibly
As Iowa agriculture looks back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, another major topic that shaped conversation this year was the Make America Healthy Again report, often referred to as MAHA. While the report addressed many issues farmers care about, just like consumers do, it...
Lawmakers divided on whether Farm Bill can be passed in 2026
Congressional Republicans plan to revive stalled farm bill negotiations in January after failing to pass a new measure by year’s end, extending uncertainty for farmers facing high costs, inflation and trade disruptions. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T....
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-23-25)
As the calendar year wraps up, the markets are paying a lot of attention to the weather down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the next two weeks will be critical for the crops in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said planting progress is...
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Economic issues impact small communities the hardest
Declining farm income, reduced equipment sales, rising inventory and financing pressures, and trade uncertainty all create ripple effects that impact farmers and the communities they are a part of. A recent hearing with the Senate Committee on Small Business and...
U.S. beef attracts global interest at Gulfood show
With support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is promoting U.S. beef at Gulfood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food trade shows, attracting prospective buyers not only...
Cattle on Feed Report shows continuing tight supplies
USDA published the first Cattle on Feed Report of the year on Friday January 23rd with few surprises included. USDA livestock economist Michael McConnell says that tightening cattle and beef supplies were demonstrated in the numbers. McConnell says placements in...
U.S. soy exports continued growing in marketing year 2024-2025
The United States exported 68.7 million metric tons of U.S. soy, which included whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil, during the marketing year 2024-2025. That represents a 12.8 percent increase year-over-year and a 2.95 percent gain over the five-year...
Iowa farmers unlikely to see diesel relief from Venezuelan oil
Recent headlines surrounding Venezuela and its oil supply have raised questions across rural America, especially after the United States intervened in the country, removed a leader many viewed as a dictator, and announced it would temporarily control Venezuela’s oil...
