Top Stories
Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey said drought still covers nearly two-thirds of the United States, with some of the worst conditions stretching across the Plains, the South, and parts of the western U.S. Rippey, who...
Farmers and ranchers stepping up to oppose the estate tax
The American Farm Bureau Federation was part of a letter to Congress expressing opposition to the estate tax. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talked about what was in the letter. “The Family Businesses Estate Tax...
Lawmakers lay out farm bill priorities heading into 2024
Congressional lawmakers will try again to pass a new five-year farm bill in 2024, and some have already made out their New Year’s wish list of what to include. Conservative Republicans Chip Roy of Texas and Iowa’s Chuck Grassley stressed in a recent letter to House...
Exports and holiday treats
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service wants to remind you that exports are important to those holiday treats you may be enjoying. Whether you bake in North America or the North Pole, those holiday cookies, cakes, and candies are sure to be extra sweet and delicious,...
Remember old Christmas memories as you create new ones
Well, here we are. We finally made it to Christmas 2023. It's hard to believe just how fast this year has already flown by. I feel like we just had Christmas a month or so ago. This year finds me spending the holiday with my mother back in Minnesota. I'm happy to be...
Shipping situation remains bleak in the Panama Canal
Low water levels have not just been a problem for shipping grain on the Mississippi river this year. The Panama Canal has also had its issues as the man-made Lake Gatun which feeds the canal and powers shipping has also dipped to low levels. Lake Gatun is a man-made...
2024 livestock market outlook contains highs and lows
To say that this year was a rollercoaster in the livestock industry is an understatement. From policy changes to fluctuations in market prices and input costs, it felt like the entire marketplace could change course from week to week. Iowa Farm Bureau Economist...
Video
More Ag News
Spring rains have been more of a blessing than a curse
This spring has given Iowa an interesting start to the 2024 growing season. On the one hand, we know that the rains slowed down planting progress, but we also needed the rains to replenish the drought-stricken soils and give our crops a fighting chance to have a less...
USDA aids Landus in opening new fertilizer production facility
Yesterday marked the ribbon cutting of Landus’ brand new 75,000-square-foot Fertilizer Production and Distribution Facility in Boone. The facility, which costs nearly $15 million, will produce sustainable, slow-release fertilizer products to bring environmentally and...
One Health approach protects humans, pigs, and the environment
The One Health approach is vital in meeting the growing market demand for pork. As consumers become more conscientious about the food they consume, there is a heightened focus on food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Dr. Heather Fowler,...
NPPC continues to work towards solutions for farm labor
As rural populations continue to decline in rural America, labor issues have become a hurdle for the agriculture industry. With many rural counties losing population to urban centers, the number of available workers for agricultural jobs has also declined. As an...
Groups sue EPA over emissions rule
The American Petroleum Institute teamed up with ag groups to sue the Environmental Protection Agency over its light-duty and medium-duty vehicle emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. While API is the lead petitioner, The Fence Post says the National Corn...
