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Naig warns against rushing fall applications
Recent rains have delayed harvest across Iowa, but the wet conditions are also putting more attention on water quality and how farmers manage nutrients and conservation practices heading into the fall. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the recent rainfall has shown just how significant the moisture deficit had become in some areas of the state. At the same time, interest in practices designed to protect soil and water continues to grow. Naig says Iowa received cover crop cost share...
Using soil tests to adjust nutrient applications in 2026
When it comes to having a successful crop season, soil nutrition is key. But it’s not just about having the proper nutrients in the soil- farmers need to focus on making sure those nutrients are available to the crops at the right time. Derek Emerine, national...
Farmers and ranchers encourage to share thoughts on WOTUS
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new Waters of the U.S. Rule to give U.S. agriculture more clarity on what constitutes an actual water of the U.S. The public comment deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, senior director of government affairs...
Disease pressures and the livestock sector in 2025
Disease pressures in the livestock sector featured prominently in 2025 across the spectrum from poultry to cattle. Two of the biggest stories about animal diseases in the past year were highly pathogenic avian influenza and New World screwworm. Former USDA Chief...
U.S. hog inventory up one percent
The U.S. hog inventory is growing. As of December 1, there were 75.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, which is up one percent from December 2024 and slightly higher than the numbers on September 1, 2025. That’s according to the Hogs and Pigs report published by...
Farmers see big returns with John Deere See & Spray
John Deere’s See and Spray technology continued its rapid climb in 2025 as farmers looked for ways to stretch input dollars, protect yields, and improve application efficiency. What started as a promising tool only a few seasons ago has now grown into one of the most...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-30-25)
As the crops in Brazil enter the critical yield-determining phase, timely rains are finally reentering the forecast. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts for South America. While the crops are virtually all planted in...
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Feenstra visits central Iowa FFA students during National FFA Week
Supporting the next generation of ag professionals starts at the school level, where students can participate in FFA to learn more about what the ag industry has to offer. This week is National FFA Week, and Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra visited students in Gilbert,...
USDA releases December 2025 red meat export data
U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said this follows a record-setting...
Farmer bridge assistance enrollment period begins
During the keynote speech at USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum last Friday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the applications for the farmer bridge assistance program would open ahead of schedule. The application process is now open as of Monday February 23rd, says...
Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in...
Naig voices frustration over stalled federal E15 progress
Federal movement on year-round E15 access remains uncertain as February winds down, leaving biofuels supporters waiting for clearer direction from Congress. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says frustration is growing among ethanol advocates who believed...
