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Building the calf microbiome begins in the first hours of life
Producers spend a lot of time thinking about cow health, breeding readiness, and nutrition plans, but Purina says the story of long-term productivity starts much earlier. The first hours and weeks of a calf’s life are filled with stress points, and how those animals are supported during that time can shape their gut development, immune strength, and future performance. Dr. Olivia Genther Schroeder of Purina says early calf management is one of the most important investments a producer can...
House Ag Chairman Thompson releases 2024 Farm Bill draft
Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson released a discussion draft of the 2024 Farm Bill- now named the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. The legislation includes twelve titles, covering commodities; conservation; trade; nutrition; credit; rural...
Another negative Rural Mainstreet Index during May
The Rural Mainstreet Index continued below growth neutral in May. It’s the ninth consecutive month that the survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region stayed in the red. Dr. Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University, says one thing that...
Cattle grazing pasture and rangeland recharging from rainfall
Despite some delays to planting caused by recent rainfalls in the Corn Belt, the moisture boost has helped to recharge the soil and brought relief to many drought-stricken areas. Row crop farmers are certainly welcoming the recent rains, but what about cattle...
Two beef industry bills signed into law by Governor Reynolds
Wednesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law that were high priorities for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA). Showcasing the importance, a large crowd gathered at Pat and Laura Blomme’s farm to witness this notable event. The Meat Integrity Bill (S.F....
Building trust in the dairy industry through the checkoff
The dairy industry has faced some scrutiny as of late, especially as it pertains to the safety of products and H5N1, formerly known as “bird flu” and “High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza”. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration...
Highlighting ag trade during World Trade Month
May is World Trade Month, and trade is an important conversation topic for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Brent Boydston, USGC Chair, said World Trade Month is a significant event for the Council. Boydston said the USGC contributes to improving international trade...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (9-10-24)
Drier conditions are persisting in Brazil as planting begins for the next crop. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns in South America. While there is some rain forecasted for the southern areas of Brazil, most of the...
Secretary Naig announces availability of crop insurance discount program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will once again offer its Crop Insurance Discount Program for acres that are planted with cover crops. Farmers and landowners who plant cover crops...
Grassley sees lame duck farm bill as unlikely
Prospects for a lame duck farm bill don’t look much better than those before the November elections, according to ag lawmakers and lobbyists. September will be full of debate over simply keeping the government funded. Congress returns after the elections for two weeks...
Ag groups urging Congress to pass new farm bill
As the U.S. ag economy continues to spiral downward, over 300 food and farm groups sent a letter to Senate and House leadership asking Congress to pass a new farm bill that would help to slow it. Joe Gilson, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau,...
More dairy included in school nutrition campaign
Making sure that our children have access to healthy food at lunch is something that everyone agrees on. However, that’s about where the agreement ends. How nutrition is provided has become a heated and increasingly political debate over the past decade or more. Many...
