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Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey said drought still covers nearly two-thirds of the United States, with some of the worst conditions stretching across the Plains, the South, and parts of the western U.S. Rippey, who...
Give crops a head start with a pre-emerge herbicide
As we approach the 2026 planting season, farmers need to make sure that they have their weed management plans in place. With how unpredictable every crop season can be, a flexible herbicide can make the difference between a successful or challenging crop year. Will...
When fertilizer prices climb, efficiency is the key
As fertilizer prices skyrocket, farmers are researching all opportunities to apply fertilizer as efficiently as possible and receive the most bang for their buck. Dan Schulz is a vice president of sales with Ostara and provides some background of the company and...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-14-26)
The weather is drying out a bit in Brazil, which could cause concerns as the second crop corn hits the last stage of growth. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said this will be something to watch, but this is also close to the time that Brazil experiences its...
Secretary Naig and INREC launch nitrogen soil sampling project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) today announced a new, three-year Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project that will conduct nitrogen soil testing for farmers in targeted areas upstream from the Des...
NPPC targets Prop 12, trade, labor in D.C.
The National Pork Producers Council is taking its top policy priorities directly to Capitol Hill this week as pork producers gather in Washington, D.C. for the group’s Legislative Action Conference April 15 and 16. Rob Brenneman, president of NPPC and a pork producer...
U.S. blockade in Strait of Hormuz will have long-lasting impact
The Iran conflict has escalated further, as President Donald Trump announced a plan for a full U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the energy and fertilizer industries are wondering what that will do to prices. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer...
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Iowa FFA members fight food insecurity at annual convention
Since 2012, Iowa FFA members have helped package pre-made meals to fight food insecurity during the annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. Servant leadership is one of the core values of the FFA, which means that events and opportunities like this truly resonate with...
USDA launches National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech
USDA’s recently launched National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech is designed to help ag-tech companies develop products that can help farmers be more profitable and successful through real world testing. USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics...
Senators introduce bill aimed at stabilizing farm labor costs
U.S. Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several Republican colleagues have introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing agricultural labor costs and providing greater certainty for farmers. The proposal, known as the Farmworker Access and Retention Modernization,...
U.S. red meat exporters connecting with buyers in Mexico
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork, and lamb met face-to-face with buyers from across Mexico last week at the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s second U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. One of those exporters was Mark Spengler of Greater Omaha Packing Company, who...
Rollins points to demand drivers for corn
As farmers prepare to get the 2026 crop in the ground, attention is turning to both demand and costs, and how the balance between the two could shape the year ahead. In an interview with the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...
