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Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above growth neutral
For only the second time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above a growth-neutral reading of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a rural ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The December reading hit 50.1, its highest level since July 2025, and was up from November’s 44.0. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral. “Weak agriculture commodity prices and high input costs for grain producers continue to...
Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show is a great way to give back to Iowans
As the Iowa State Fair kicks off this morning in Des Moines, we look forward to all the ways we celebrate the agriculture industry in this state. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council embody the “Cattlemen Care” mantra. It’s a way that...
Making the best use of data from soil tests
Gathering data from soil tests is one of the best ways to address the needs of your crops. However, some of that data can be very complicated, so it needs to be run through the best methods and technology available in order to become actionable goals. Matt Fryer,...
Helping young people entering the beef industry
The 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting was held in San Diego, California. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, observed several new attendees this year. NCBA can take steps to assist younger individuals in entering the industry....
Lawmakers won’t compromise despite outcry for new farm bill
The huge outcry for a new farm bill from hundreds of Ag stakeholder groups last month seems to have prompted little movement from either side in Congress. That’s not a surprise to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Over 500 Ag-related groups led by the...
Secretary Naig welcomes pesticide petition by Attorneys General Bird, Hilgers
Following the announcement today in Omaha by Attorneys General Brenna Bird of Iowa and Mike Hilgers of Nebraska that the states will jointly file a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the regulation of pesticides, Iowa Secretary of...
Ag Bio act will keep U.S. Biobased production at home
The Plant-Based Products Council and its supporters in Congress are hopeful that legislation aimed at expanding the agricultural bioeconomy will significantly impact the upcoming Farm Bill. The proposed Ag BIO Act seeks to increase the manufacturing of plant-based...
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Positive momentum for carbon market programs
Carbon markets have been in the ag industry for a while now, and they are another source of revenue for farmers across the country. Ryan Winter, grower success manager with Agoro Carbon, said they’ve been very pleased with the enrollment growth in their programs....
Innovative new U.S. pork burger sees success in Colombia
At the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Arizona, USMEF Latin America Representative Homero Recio updated members on promotional activities for U.S. red meat in South America. One of those activities is an exciting new...
Modern Ag Alliance working to ensure farmers have necessary crop protection tools
The Modern Ag Alliance was formed this year to advocate on behalf of farmers so that they can continue to have access to crop protection tools. The alliance is a coalition led by Bayer and several ag stakeholders concerned with the way in which pesticides are being...
Ethanol production reaches record high
Ethanol output rose to a record high in the seven days that ended on Nov. 8, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Production jumped to an average of 1.113 million barrels a day, the agency said. That’s up from 1.105 million barrels a week...
When to make that land purchase
In these uncertain economic times, farmers and ranchers are weighing what their balance sheets can handle. Whether it is inputs, equipment, or expansion, there are many factors to consider before you shell out hard-earned money. This is especially true when it comes...
