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Iowa soybean farmers urged to watch for red crown rot as disease spreads
Soybean farmers seeing signs of sudden death syndrome are being urged to inspect plants closely for red crown rot, an emerging disease that can produce nearly identical leaf symptoms. Iowa State University Extension confirmed red crown rot last week in a southeastern Iowa field. The farmer previously believed the affected area had sudden death syndrome. Both diseases can cause yellowing between leaf veins and premature plant decline. However, red crown rot can be identified by reddish...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-24-26)
With all of the uncertainty in the U.S. ag marketplace, South America may be positioned to take some global market share back. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the latest weather forecasts look mostly good for their crops. McBride said harvest progress in...
Naig highlights Iowa results as E15 access grows
As questions continue in Washington about the future of year-round E15, Iowa leaders say the state is already seeing what expanded access can do. From more fuel choices at the pump to stronger demand for corn, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says Iowa’s...
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...
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Know your number now on SCN
Even with BASF’s new Nemasphere soybean technology still targeted for a future launch, company officials say growers should already be taking steps to understand how much soybean cyst nematode may be costing them in today’s fields. Justin Moritz, BASF trait technology...
Corteva excited for farmers to use Forcivo fungicide in 2026
Last year’s crop season was defined by one major factor: late-season disease pressure. And while Southern Rust is not projected to be as big of an issue this year, farmers will always have to deal with other fungal diseases like frogeye leaf spot and tar spot. Madison...
A shift in weather conditions for April
Spring weather is always tricky for growers. On the one hand, after a dry winter, spring showers are needed to help replenish soil moisture. But on the other hand, too much moisture can disrupt field work and planting for farmers. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a...
Secretary Naig highlights E15 savings in annual Iowa fuel report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today highlighted the significant savings Iowa drivers are seeing from choosing E15 at the gas pump following the release of the 2025 Retailers Fuel Gallons Annual Report by the Iowa Department of Revenue. “In 2025 alone, E15...
Pork producers encouraged to start a Secure Pork Supply Plan
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, allows producers to voluntarily create an enhanced biosecurity and continuity plan, tailored to their operation. Dr. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health with the National Pork Board, says the recently reviewed SPS provides...
