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Corn condition drops amid heatwaves
The damage from triple-digit heat across the Midwest and Plains is showing up in the numbers, reports AgWeb. USDA’s weekly crop progress report shows the steepest week-over-week decline in corn good to excellent condition ratings for this point in the growing season in nearly 20 years, catching analysts off guard. USDA now rates the corn crop at 63% good to excellent, 25% fair, and 12% very poor to poor. Last year at this time, 73% of the corn crop was in good to excellent condition, according...
State Fair showcases the heart of Iowa agriculture
Yesterday, we celebrated the grit and legacy of Iowa’s Century and Heritage Farm families, but that is just one piece of the agricultural spotlight at the Iowa State Fair. Across the fairgrounds, agriculture takes center stage in ways both big and really big, from the...
Connecting consumers with dairy producers at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a major opportunity to connect consumers with the farmers who raise their food. One of the most in-depth experiences is in the dairy industry, as fairgoers can witness the milking process, milk a cow themselves, and watch youth connect with the...
Iowa raised “Judah” wins the 2025 ISF Big Ram Competition
Abby Willson of Shell Rock Iowa and her 7-year old Columbia ram “Judah” are the winners of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition. Judah weighed in at 505 ½ pounds to win a close contest inside the sheep barn on the first day of the 2025 fair. Abby Willson is a...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
From hard times to harvest, Iowa farms endure
Farming has never been an easy profession, with challenges that stretch far beyond the farm gate. While agriculture faces its pressures from weather, markets, and regulations, farmers have also endured the ripple effects of global events such as wars, famines, and...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-21-25)
The weather looks to be drying out for a good portion of South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. The weather has been cooperative for both corn and soybean planting progress to move along...
Iowa is a great home for USDA research projects
As the USDA looks into decentralizing from Washington, D.C., Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says some research projects should be moved to Ames, Iowa. With our state being a natural hub for agriculture, this change would be a great fit for what the USDA is looking...
The value of early planting soybeans
In recent growing seasons farmers have been planting soybeans earlier and experiencing for the most part higher yield potential. Researchers at the University of Illinois have been studying this management trend to test the value of early planting soybeans. Connor...
Optimism for the ethanol industry
The U.S. Grains and Global Bioproducts Council is holding its annual Global Ethanol Summit in Washington, D.C.. At the summit, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor expressed optimism for the future of bioethanol, while highlighting the positive impact that pro-bioethanol...
Dairy processors warn of mounting trade strain
The global trade landscape is once again weighing heavily on American agriculture. Tariffs, retaliatory fees, and stalled negotiations with key trading partners have created fresh uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses alike. Export-dependent sectors are feeling...
