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USDA Farm Income Forecast is lower for 2026
USDA released the first farm income projections for 2026. Carrie Litkowski, a senior economist with the USDA’s Economic Research Service, said the income forecast is lower this year. Litkowski said there are several notable increases in the forecast as well. For more information, visit usda.gov.
Healthy Milk Act could create $2 billion boon for dairy producers
Last week’s signing by President Trump of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act marked a major victory for kids as well as dairy farmers. Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, says he couldn’t have been more pleased with the support the bill...
Analysis shows need for E15 for Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry
Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry faces continued decline without immediate approval of nationwide, year-round sales of E15 gasoline and access to ultra-low carbon fuel markets, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association....
Featured Conversation: ICGA on the carbon sequestration pipeline discussion
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa continue to draw attention as state leaders, farm organizations, and landowners weigh their potential economic and long-term impacts. Supporters point to market access and competitiveness for Iowa ethanol, while critics...
Top factors influencing meat demand in 2026
Despite consumers facing high prices for meat at the grocery store in 2025, demand for meat remained high throughout the year. Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, says 2026 could see spending concerns for consumers making an...
Feenstra working to make farming less dangerous and risky
Farming can be a risky and dangerous business. Taxes can provide obstacles for farmers who are passing land down to the next generation, and the high price of machinery can lead some farmers to operate with equipment that can’t protect them from rollovers. Iowa...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sets 2026 legislative priorities
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, announces its state policy priorities heading into the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. These policy priorities focus on protecting private property...
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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...
Applications open for 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own farmland. Leopold Conservation Awards, presented by the Sand County Foundation and...
Ground pork gaining traction as a great option for daily meals
As the new year gets underway, there’s growing excitement around adding more protein to the plate. Momentum is building with the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” consumer brand campaign. José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing with the National Pork...
Employment data in rural America
USDA’s "Rural America at a Glance" report gives insight into employment trends in rural areas of the United States. USDA research economist Tracey Farrigan says from 2023-2024 employment in rural areas grew at a rate of about .6%. She says this was a continuation of a...
Rural Energy Council is a “disgrace”
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, was very unhappy after it was announced that a legislative fix for year-round E15 was dropped from the January government funding bill. It was further incensed that Congress would instead form a “rural...
