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USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the integrity of U.S agriculture against invasive species and pests is one of the most important priorities for scientific research. Hutchins believes that addressing soil health is necessary to regenerate productivity on U.S. farms. For...
Bayer may stop producing glyphosate
Bayer says it may stop producing glyphosate, the world’s most popular weedkiller unless it can get court protection against lawsuits blaming the herbicide for causing cancer. The Wall Street Journal says Bayer currently produces about 40 percent of the world’s...
John Deere continues to advance autonomous farming
Agricultural technology has advanced at an astonishing pace, transforming how we work the land in ways my grandfather could never have imagined. He was the last in our family to plow fields with horses, eventually trading reins for the steering wheel of a tractor, a...
Pioneer reflects on first year of Z-Series soybeans
At last year’s Commodity Classic in Houston, Pioneer announced the full launch of the Z-Series line of soybeans. One year later, they are now reflecting on the successes of the Z-Series genetics and traits. Shelby Schaa, marketing effectiveness manager with Corteva,...
Is it finally time to begin rebuilding the cattle herd?
The cattle inventory in the United States remains low with producers still asking the question, when will it be time to rebuild the herd? Mark Johnson, the extension beef cattle breeding specialist for Oklahoma State University, says there are signs the industry needs...
Legislation would expand access to meat and poultry
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Senate Ag Committee, joined Mike Rounds (R-SD) in reintroducing the “New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act.” The bipartisan legislation would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and...
President Trump discusses solutions for potential labor shortage
As deportations continue to increase, many farm laborers are worried about whether or not they will be able to work in the U.S., and their employers are worried about having enough labor to get through the crop year. That issue now appears to be on the President’s...
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Grassley cites Brazil tariff threat as probably the most important
Brazil is one of the United States’ biggest competitors in agricultural trade. The nation of Brazil has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest soybean exporter and is also one of the top exporters of beef, often competing with U.S. producers. Therefore,...
Two webinars will examine impact of excessive farm heat on people and produce
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team is holding two webinars in August that will explore the role of intense heat on farmers and growers, as well as their crops. “Heat exposure is an increasing problem for...
New capital gains updates may help Iowa succession
The capital gains provisions in the Reconciliation Bill have become a hot topic, in part because they paint with a broad brush. While critics argue that the changes are a tax break for billionaires, the reality is more nuanced, especially for the agricultural sector....
Plenty of rain for Iowa crops as pollination continues
June is historically the wettest month in Iowa, and this year was no different. Heading into July, we normally expect things to dry off a little bit, but that’s where things have been surprising. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said some farmers have...
Landscape of potential tariffs continues to shift
Several major developments have taken place when it comes to trade. This includes delays in the implementation of country-specific tariffs, as well as new threats of tariffs against the European Union, Mexico and Brazil. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government...
