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NASS taking steps to provide more accurate crop numbers
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently had to correct the numbers from the September Crop Production Estimates report. However, a lot of the damage has already been done by this point, as the inaccurate numbers caused some of the largest single-day declines in December corn futures during 2026. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about the new numbers. Parum said the USDA has taken steps to make sure these errors...
USDA farm diesel relief payments expected after November election
Farmers waiting for federal assistance to offset rising diesel costs may not receive payments until after the November election. USDA's $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program is intended to help agricultural producers manage higher fuel expenses during a challenging...
IntelliGel technology targets moisture and nutrient retention
Farmers can make all the right decisions when it comes to fertilizer and crop management, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Whether it's too much rain or not enough, moisture conditions can determine how effectively crops use the nutrients already in the...
Dutch food safety pioneer recognized as 2026 World Food Prize Laureate
Dutch food scientist Huub Lelieveld of the Netherlands was celebrated as the 2026 World Food Prize Laureate at a high-level ceremony presided over by Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, who delivered the Laureate Proclamation, as the World Food Prize celebrated...
Farmers aren’t getting extra profits from high grocery prices
Farm income across the country is not keeping up with the rising costs of groceries. Many consumers also don’t realize that higher prices don’t lead to greater farm profits, especially since farmers are also paying for groceries themselves. Terri Moore, vice president...
Iowa farmers have new tool in the toolbox for corn rootworm control
After more than 10 years of research and development, the new insecticide active ingredient from Syngenta, PLINAZOLIN® technology, is available for Iowa’s growers to use. Scott Johnson, U.S. product lead row crop insecticides with Syngenta, says that after federal and...
Federal farm safety net payments reach record $13.8 billion
Federal farm safety-net payments are expected to reach a record $13.8 billion for the 2025 crop year, reflecting the growing importance of government assistance to American agricultural producers. USDA says payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss...
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USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
Harvest Relief Program is a good first step, but there’s still work to do
While farmers do need and appreciate the help provided by the Harvest Fuel Relief program, a long-term solution is still needed to protect the nation’s ag industry. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said a comprehensive farm bill would go a long way in...
New market access driving interest in U.S. meat at SIAL Paris
Exporters of U.S. beef, pork and lamb met with buyers from around the globe this week at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food shows. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a pavilion of red meat exporters made possible through support from USDA’s...
Trends and takeaways from the October Cattle on Feed Report
USDA published the October Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the report provided us clues on the direction of the United States cattle herd. The placements number was below trade expectations; USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer provides the data. Fischer says...
