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Secretary Naig and INREC expand nitrogen soil sampling project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) today announced the expansion of the Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project that delivers free nitrogen soil testing for farmers in counties upstream from the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids metro areas. The announcement was made during the Conservation Districts of Iowa annual meeting in Ames. The Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project, originally launched in April 2026, was well-received by Iowa farmers and...
Featured Conversation: ICGA on the carbon sequestration pipeline discussion
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa continue to draw attention as state leaders, farm organizations, and landowners weigh their potential economic and long-term impacts. Supporters point to market access and competitiveness for Iowa ethanol, while critics...
Top factors influencing meat demand in 2026
Despite consumers facing high prices for meat at the grocery store in 2025, demand for meat remained high throughout the year. Glynn Tonsor, an agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, says 2026 could see spending concerns for consumers making an...
Feenstra working to make farming less dangerous and risky
Farming can be a risky and dangerous business. Taxes can provide obstacles for farmers who are passing land down to the next generation, and the high price of machinery can lead some farmers to operate with equipment that can’t protect them from rollovers. Iowa...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sets 2026 legislative priorities
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, announces its state policy priorities heading into the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. These policy priorities focus on protecting private property...
AFBF urges Congress to act on farm economy struggles
The farm economy continues to struggle in 2026, and farm groups are calling on Congress to act. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said many farmers are underwater financially. Glenn said farmers and ranchers are...
Healthy Milk for Kids Act may add $2 billion in dairy demand
The signing of the Healthy Milk for Kids Act by President Trump last week marks a significant change in federal school nutrition policy, restoring whole and two percent milk as options in school meal programs. Supporters say the move aligns federal guidelines with...
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CROPLAN Offers Crop Management Advice for Iowa
As Iowa farmers prepare for another growing season, agronomists say planning ahead for disease pressure and crop management decisions can help growers stay ahead of potential problems. Jeff Osterhaus with CROPLAN says many conversations with farmers right now focus on...
Iowa Soybean Association is evolving to face ag industry issues
This year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio saw a record number of farmers in attendance. In many discussions throughout the event, it was clear that farmers are prepared to give this crop season their all, no matter what challenges they may face. Aaron Putze, chief...
Expanding export markets for U.S. biofuels
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden is bullish on export opportunities for U.S. produced biofuels. Vaden was a speaker at this year’s USDA Ag Outlook Forum and says the potential for biofuel exports is ever expanding. Vaden says that U.S. biofuels are a key...
SNAP funding debate slows farm bill markup process
The House Ag farm bill markup has entered its second day, but the key stumbling block to a bipartisan bill has now come into sharp focus. The fight over SNAP versus farm programs has kept a new farm bill off the books for at least three years. Republicans got around...
Secretary Naig extends popular cattle and conservation working lands project
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced a three-year extension of the popular, farmer-led Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Project. The extension renews program agreements in Taylor, Page, Carroll, Cherokee, Guthrie, and Ida counties through...
