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Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a case of H5N1 HPAI in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County on October 28. It marks Iowa's eighth confirmed detection of...
Trump administration announces $1.34B investment in domestic fertilizer production
Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced eight fertilizer manufacturing projects that will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term...
U.S. Export Sales Report (10-22-26)
A mixed export sales report continued the recent trends we have seen for corn and soybean demand. Allendale commodity broker Teddy Tarvis said the corn sales were disappointing again. On the other hand, Tarvis said the soybean sales were very strong again this week,...
Pumpkin popularity from producer and consumer perspective
At this time of year, you are hard pressed to visit a retail store that doesn’t have pumpkins available for purchase. Pumpkin patches have also become extremely popular weekend destinations for people to visit for entertainment and family fun and to pick out a pumpkin...
Diesel aid could drive farm payments to record levels
USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program could push government payments to farmers to a record $55.4 billion in 2026. According to Progressive Farmer, that’s if the estimated $8 billion in diesel assistance is distributed before year’s end. That would surpass the...
Farmers reaching limits of fertilizer efficiency
Farmers are being asked to do more with less, especially with fertilizer. With input costs remaining a concern and profit margins already stretched thin, producers are looking for every possible way to save money. But there is a limit to how much you can cut before...
Corn prices rally despite lack of news headlines
After a few very busy weeks of market news, this week has been much slower. As a result, the markets haven’t had much to trade on so far. Bill Moore of PRICE Futures Group said both the corn and soybeans have been very oversold. Moore said the markets may be...
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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...
Iowa farmers weigh storage decisions amid weak prices
As Iowa farmers continue working through the 2026 harvest, grain markets remain under pressure despite reports of improving corn yields in parts of the state. Lower commodity prices, speculative selling, and seasonal harvest pressure are creating challenges for...
