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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 tariffs, and the increasing costs of farm inputs. Senator Grassley was asked on Tuesday if the potential assistance payments would be part of the recently announced USDA $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program. Grassley says that a...
USDA announces $1.8 billion in 2026 conservation program payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026. These payments...
Use today’s tools while tomorrow’s technology develops
New soybean technology is coming in 2028, but farmers do not have to spend the 2027 growing season waiting for another management option to arrive. BASF is preparing Nemasphere for commercial launch in 2028. In the meantime, Mike McCarville with BASF says growers can...
Historic Iowa rainfall washed nitrogen away from crop roots
It’s been a historic year for rain in Iowa, and while rain is normally a good thing, too much of it can cause crop issues. Outside of physical damage, disease, and soil issues, excessive rains can cause nitrogen runoff, which may have led to the lower yields Iowa...
ARC and PLC payout highest ever
ARC and PLC will pay out record amounts to producers this year as the amounts were raised under last year’s Working Families Tax Cut Act. That is United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) referencing ARC and PLC, he says that the programs have been adjusted and now...
Markets await October USDA supply and demand estimates
USDA’s October Crop Production Report and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, or WASDE, are scheduled for release at noon Eastern Time on Oct. 9. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the October reports will incorporate key data...
NPB launches advisory committees to strengthen producer input
One of the cornerstones of the National Pork Board (NPB) is focusing on producer priorities. Six producer-led advisory committees were established recently to align with NPB’s strategic plan. NPB CEO David Newman said the board is built by farmers, for farmers. Unlike...
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John Deere Foundation announces $18.5 million investment in food bank system
Today, the John Deere Foundation announced an $18.5 million multi-year Farm-to-Plate strategy to address food insecurity in the Midwest. The investment will support Feeding America partner food banks, recover farm-grown food, and connect over one hundred Iowa farmers...
AFBF encouraged by progress on Renewable Fuel Standard
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Peosta, Iowa, today to announce a draft rule to reallocate renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions. The rule would provide 100 percent reallocation of the renewable fuel volume...
Iowa native takes helm of United Soybean Board
The United Soybean Board has a new leader, and she brings strong Iowa roots to the position. Courtney Knupp, who grew up on a soybean farm in Washington County, Iowa, has taken over as CEO of the national organization. She steps into the role at a time when soybean...
Why milk components matter more than ever
New dairy research is putting a dollar value on a trait many producers have been focusing on for years: milk components. CoBank Dairy Economist Corey Geiger says the difference between top and bottom performing herds can add up to hundreds of dollars per cow annually...
Lawmakers push for reallocation of lost renewable fuel volumes
A bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers is urging the Trump administration to restore renewable fuel volumes lost through small-refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois led the effort,...
