Top Stories
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about who is eligible for the assistance. Munch said the funding for the assistance comes from a Congressional mandate. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will mail pre-filled applications to...
Storms, wind, and hail testing the resilience of northwest Iowa crops
Early in the growing season, as spring transitions to summer, the weather can be unpredictable and difficult to deal with for growers. Eric Bartels is a northwest Iowa Beck’s Hybrids agronomist, and he says that June has delivered no shortage of weather challenges to...
Applications now open for the 2026 ASA – Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program
If you are passionate about farming, ready to connect with agricultural industry leaders and grow your leadership skills, the Young Leader Program is for you! Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2026 ASA...
Expanding corn markets a top NCGA goal
U.S. corn growers face mounting challenges in marketing their crop abroad, from persistent ag trade deficits to being undercut by Brazilian corn during their peak harvest season. Shifting global demand has made it harder for American producers to stay competitive....
Harsh tariffs can negatively impact farmer mental health
It’s no secret that the ag economy is volatile right now. With tariffs and other global issues, farmers are feeling the economic squeeze, and that can take a huge toll on their mental health. Matt Willamack, Iowa Soybean Association District 6 board member, said...
Keep an eye out for crop pests as pollination approaches
As we approach the critical pollination window for corn and soybeans, it’s important to make sure your crops are as healthy as they can be. That means crop scouting is especially important in order to keep diseases and pests at bay. Lance Goettsch, DEKALB Asgrow...
Grassley discusses SNAP state cost-share and reconciliation bill
The Senate parliamentarian who ensures that legislative rules and procedure are being followed in the chamber has ruled against a key funding provision in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful tax and spending bill. Elizabeth MacDonough says the SNAP state cost share...
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“Big Beautiful Bill” would exacerbate food insecurity in Iowa
While legislative battles rage on in Washington D.C., food banks across the country are struggling to get enough food to feed those who are in need. Not only are USDA donations halted, but the “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to cut SNAP benefits if it is passed, which...
Latest hog and pig report shows bearish market conditions for Iowa producers
The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs Report indicates bearish market conditions. Total inventory of animals is up compared to the previous report. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the latest report contained some big numbers. On the...
Des Moines Water Works feeling the strain from elevated nitrate levels
On June 12th Central Iowa Water Works issued a residential and commercial lawn watering ban citing strain on water treatment facilities because of elevated nitrate concentration in raw source waters. The press release from CIWW says “Central Iowa Water Works needs to...
ISU Extension and Outreach launches Garden Academy in September
The Iowa Master Gardener Program, along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will launch Garden Academy in September 2025, providing high-quality gardening education in a refined format for both aspiring Iowa Master Gardeners and home gardening...
Iowa Ag concerns tied to outdated policies
The clock is ticking on the long-overdue Farm Bill, with just three months left before Congress may be forced to extend it for yet another year. That would push the current bill—already outdated—more than halfway through a second life it was never intended to have....
