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Congress proposes changes to Endangered Species Act
New legislation is aimed at providing improvements and updates to the Endangered Species Act. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the organization especially appreciates the updates help to incentivize early adoption of actions that would help wildlife. Hagenauer said the Endangered Species Act was first passed with good intentions in 1973 to protect species in peril. After a potential House vote this week, the bill will move...
USTR’s Callahan previews 2026 ag trade priorities
US Ag trade negotiator Julie Callahan previewed the administration’s ag trade goals for this year at a recent Agri-Pulse forum. Callahan says the “bumper sticker” version of USTR’s recent Ag policy report is “full speed ahead” on the administration’s “America First...
Farm bill draft reignites debate over pesticide regulation
The newly introduced farm bill proposal is drawing sharp reactions from environmental advocates over provisions that could reshape pesticide regulation nationwide. The legislation, backed by leaders in Congress and informed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...
Midwest Dairy report shows demand growth
Midwest Dairy’s newly released 2025 Annual Report gives farmers a detailed look at how their checkoff dollars were invested across the ten-state region, with a focus on growing dairy demand, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting future industry leadership....
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...
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John Deere updates repair tools under new EPA guidance
As planting season approaches, John Deere says new Environmental Protection Agency guidance is giving farmers more flexibility to keep equipment running during some of the most critical times of the year. The company says two recent EPA updates allow expanded...
Farmers have a positive impact on urban health
The crops grown in rural America are having a positive impact on the largest urban areas of the United States. Heather Buechter, director of communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America, said the fuels made from crops like soybeans are significantly improving the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-7-26)
There’s plenty of rain in the forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. Even though that rain can get in the way of planting and harvest progress, the crops that are pollinating will enjoy the moisture. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest...
Examining the efforts to combat New World Screwworm
Beef supplies remain extremely low in the United States and beef prices at the grocery store and meat counter are sky high. One of the contributing factors to high prices for beef is the closed Mexico-United States border, which has stopped the importation of Mexican...
Secretary Naig invites students to enter the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages...
