Top Stories
Barn owls take the night shift to protect farms from rodents
Today, more farmers are taking advantage of barn owls for rodent control on their farms. Jennifer Ackerman, an ornithologist and author, discussed what makes barn owls so effective for pest management. She said that barn owls are excellent rodent hunters and a better alternative to rodenticides, which can be poisonous for potential rodent predators. Ackerman shared the factors to consider when choosing locations for barn owl nesting boxes. She highlighted the location's openness, height, and...
U.S. Export Sales Report (5-22-25)
After a few weeks of excellent export sales, this week’s report was much quieter. This has helped the markets settle down ahead of the extended Memorial Day weekend. Allendale commodity broker Ben Breisch gave an update on the latest numbers from the USDA. Breisch...
SAF Coalition commends House for advancing 45Z extension
Today, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition’s Executive Director, Alison Graab, issued the following statement after the House passed its version of the budget reconciliation bill which includes an extension of 45Z: “The SAF Coalition applauds the House of...
Ag technology advancements are reshaping farming
In just a few short years cell phones, electric vehicles, online shopping, and other rapid technological advancements have become a part of everyday life. Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich says that these quickly advancing technologies are also...
Cover crop funds open for Iowa producers
Conservation farming practices are gaining traction nationwide as more producers see long-term benefits for their land and their bottom line. Farmers who have already adopted these methods say they pay off over time, improving soil health and setting up future...
An update on the status of H5N1 in the swine industry
The effects of H5N1 are still being felt across the livestock industry, even though it has mostly fell out of public focus. While there has been only one minor detection of H5N1 in U.S. swine, the industry is still prepared in the event of an outbreak. Dr. Marisa...
U.S. agriculture is leery of RFK Jr.’s policies
Many promises have been made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr., but few have been delivered on yet. The Make America Healthy Again Commission is being closely watched by American agriculture as it issues a widely anticipated report. Bill...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-15-25)
This week’s U.S. Export Sales report had big numbers for the markets to digest, which is great for this time of year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said new crop corn sales were particularly strong and set another record for this week. McBride said this...
Ag land market remains resilient
Despite ongoing challenges, agricultural land values have remained remarkably stable through mid-2025. According to the Farmers National Company, the resilience is mainly driven by simple supply and demand; there are more motivated buyers than willing sellers. While...
Iowa’s young exhibitors show agriculture’s future is strong
Each year at the Iowa State Fair, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show draws crowds eager to see outstanding cattle and the young people who raise them. The event pairs youth exhibitors with celebrities and other Iowa leaders, all in support of the Ronald McDonald House...
August WASDE threw a curveball at the corn markets
With trade uncertainty on the minds of many farmers, the USDA threw the corn market a curveball. The August WASDE report gave farmers and ranchers across the country an interesting look into how production might look this fall. Faith Parum, an economist with the...
449 Century and Heritage Farm families honored at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson honored 449 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same...
