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Extreme heat impacts the Midwest
Extreme heat has been impacting the western two-thirds of the United States in recent days as crops are in critical stages of growth. One example of the intense heat occurred recently in the badlands of South Dakota says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Although temperatures are not expected to be as extreme this week, the threat to crops and grasslands in the Midwest still remains says Rippey. Some relief is on the way with more cloudy skies and expected rainfall, but Rippey says some of the...
NCGA unveils long-term strategy to expand corn demand
The National Corn Growers Association has released a new strategy outlining how the U.S. corn industry can build demand over the next 250 years, emphasizing the need to develop new domestic and international markets as production continues to increase. The report,...
Making every drop count
Despite drones rapidly gaining popularity among farmers as a viable alternative for spraying, they remain a relatively new technology in farming. Tyler Steinkamp, technical agronomist for Winfield United, oversaw the station showcasing how droplets travel after...
Thinking about fall diesel fuel needs
Crude oil prices are returning to levels that were familiar before the United States war with Iran, but diesel and gasoline prices are still higher. It is expected that diesel and gasoline prices will recede to normal levels, but it may take a few months, probably at...
House Ag Chair proposes sweeping change in ag labor program
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages. Politico said “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would...
Strong hog prices mean producers can improve their operations
The swine industry is much stronger in 2026 than it has been in recent years, and that means producers are able to invest back into their farms and create more long-term benefits. Val Weis, commercial lending officer with Farm Credit Services of America, said farmers...
County fairs teach lessons beyond the ribbon
County fairs are underway across Iowa, bringing communities together to celebrate agriculture while giving thousands of young people an opportunity to showcase months of hard work and preparation. While livestock shows and exhibits often draw the most attention,...
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House Ag ranking member calls for stability
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig says Congress must do more to address the financial challenges facing American farmers. During a press call with agricultural reporters, the Minnesota Democrat argued that continued economic uncertainty and...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-7-26)
Not much has changed with the weather in South America, as dry conditions are persisting across the growing regions of the continent. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. McBride said progress for the...
Food hubs: the connecting piece for local farmers and producers
When people think of agriculture, they tend to focus only on what happens on the farm, namely planting, harvesting, or raising livestock. However, farmers still need to find a way of reaching consumers, which is where food hubs come in. Market access can be...
USDA launches modernized crop acreage reporting pilot
USDA is unveiling a new pilot program for spring-planted crops to modernize and update crop acreage reporting. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production Richard Fordyce describes the program as “transformative.” Fordyce says it has taken too long for USDA to modernize...
Secretary Naig opens sign-up for annual cover crop cost-share program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowa farmers and landowners who are planning to seed cover crops this fall to enroll in the state's annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program. This program is open to first-time and returning cover crop users in all...
