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Trump orders changes to support ranchers, increase beef market competition
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders Friday aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle industry, increasing competition and expanding opportunities for ranchers and smaller meat processors. USDA said one order directs stronger enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and calls for USDA to coordinate with the Justice Department on livestock-market competition. It also directs USDA to expand programs allowing more state-inspected meat to move across state lines and provide...
New Agronomy Zone introduced at 2026 Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show is in Boone Iowa this year and takes place this week September 1st-3rd. The show has always been a premier spot to see the latest agricultural technology in action, but it has added a new permanent display to showcase the newest crop inputs and...
Farm Rescue encourages referrals for farm families in need of harvest assistance
As harvest begins across the country, Farm Rescue is reminding rural communities that help is available for farm families facing an unexpected crisis. When illness, injury or natural disaster strikes, the work on the farm doesn’t stop. Crops still need to come out of...
New U.S. ammonia plant will increase domestic production
Fertilizer prices and availability have been a major pain point for U.S. producers for several years. A major factor that contributes to that pressure is fact that the U.S. imports about 50 percent of the 20 million tons of the fertilizer farmers across the country...
RMA changes offer farmers added financial flexibility
Farmers will have some additional flexibility in the federal crop insurance program following two recent changes announced by USDA’s Risk Management Agency. RMA Administrator Pat Swanson, who is also an Iowa farmer, says one of those changes is the return of the...
Historic grain price rallies have defined this August
Contrary to what we would normally expect, there has been a lot of market action this month. As we approach harvest season, there’s a legitimate chance that farmers might see price rallies that warrant some serious grain selling conversations. Michael Weidner,...
New agricultural innovations highlight Farm Progress Show
The Farm Progress Show is back in Boone Iowa this year and will take place next week September 1st-3rd. The Farm Progress Show is the largest outdoor farm show in the country and brings tens of thousands of people to central Iowa. In addition to drawing in showgoers...
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More Ag News
California breakthrough could boost Iowa ethanol demand
California is moving closer to allowing year-round E15 sales, potentially opening one of the nation’s largest gasoline markets to increased ethanol use. The California legislature approved a bill during the final day of its legislative session that removes the...
USDA Secretary Rollins announces Ranchers First Initiative
Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a plan of several actions that aims to aid in the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd and bring ranchers back at the center of the food supply. During her visit to...
Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by...
Central Iowa farmers gearing up for corn harvest
The Farm Progress Show conveniently takes place just before the harvest season begins each year. It won’t be long until the farmers that are visiting the show are back at home in the cab of their combine to begin harvesting. Wade Peck is a district sales manager with...
EPA grants most small refinery exemption requests
EPA has granted most of the small refinery exemption requests it considered for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year. The agency announced decisions Monday on 34 petitions from individual refineries seeking relief from their biofuel blending obligations....
