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USDA could regain food aid programs
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman wants two major U.S. foreign food aid programs returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Boozman says USDA is better equipped than the State Department to oversee programs built around American agriculture. Boozman hopes to include the change in the next farm bill. However, because the programs currently fall under the State Department, the proposal also requires support from congressional committees outside the Senate Agriculture...
Short stature corn can unlock higher yields
It can still feel like a new product, but short stature corn has been in the market for decades now. As planting season gets nearer, farmers may want to consider this resilient and flexible corn hybrid. Myron Stine, president of Stine Seed, said they believe short...
Farm Bureau details another busy week in D.C.
Several hot topics are making waves in Washington, D.C. this week, and the American Farm Bureau Federation is keeping track of all of them. Just one month after a new Congress was sworn in and two weeks after a new President was inaugurated, our nation’s capital is...
Canada and Mexico tariffs delayed, Grassley voices concerns about potash imports
Last weekend President Trump announced a plan to implement 25% tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada. The tariffs have since been delayed for 30 days to allow for more time for negotiations. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that although he...
Cattle and bison imports resume from Mexico
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is announcing the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. Those imports will resume in the next several days. To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of bison and cattle from...
Protect profits: Risk coverage still matters in cattle
Cattle prices may be riding high, but smart producers know the market can turn fast. While strong prices create optimism, they also bring risk—making now the perfect time to secure protection. Unexpected shifts in demand, weather, or input costs can quickly erode...
Protecting your pasture cattle from parasites
Parasites will be close by when cattle are out on pasture. Good pasture management and a strategic deworming protocol can limit the chances of parasites affecting the efficiency and performance of your beef herd. Dr. D.L Step, a professional services veterinarian with...
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Warm and dry weather allowed for wide-open planting window
Iowa farmers have been treated to a mostly wide-open window for planting season this year, with warm and dry weather allowing for great working conditions. With most of the crops in the ground, we’re now hoping for some rain- and it looks like those prayers will be...
Trends in first meat export forecast for 2026
USDA has published its initial projections for the 2026 calendar year meat export forecast. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the beef export forecast is down, due to tightening beef supplies. On the other hand, pork and broiler export...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
