Top Stories
Secretary Naig announces 108 renewable fuels infrastructure projects to expand access to E15, biodiesel in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 108 projects during their quarterly meeting on Dec. 17 to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects across the state. The approved projects are in 46 counties and represent nearly $4.59 million in total requests, including $3,987,039.12 for 93 ethanol-related projects and $600,142.66 for 15 biodiesel-related projects. These cost-share investments...
Expiration of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would hurt family farms
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a comprehensive tax cut package enacted in 2017. Dustin Sherer, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau, says it’s important legislation for farmers and ranchers. A new Economic Research Service report shows that if the...
Effects of the Tyson plant closure on the hog industry
It was announced this week that Tyson plans to shut down another food production facility—this time, a pork production plant in Perry, Iowa. That plant has nearly 1,300 employees and kills about 8,000 head a day. Karl Setzer with Consus Ag Consulting said that, while...
What would return of La Niña weather pattern mean for growers?
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center this week announced that it foresees a transition from El Niño to ENSO-neutral by April-June 2024 (83% chance), with the odds of La Niña developing by June-August 2024 (62% chance). Typically, the La Niña pattern...
Secretary Naig encourages Iowans to celebrate Iowa ag week
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged all Iowans to celebrate Iowa Ag Week from Sunday, March 17 through Saturday, March 23. The weeklong statewide celebration, which includes National Ag Day on March 19, will highlight the immense importance of...
Some lawmakers believe a Farm Bill is still possible
The Farm Bill question is a hot topic as we have discussed in the past few months. There is a lot of worry and concern that the clock is ticking and both sides of the political spectrum have dug their feet in so hard, that politics is going to affect the biggest piece...
Precision ag tech assisting growers with soil fertility and analysis
In 2024 precision agriculture tools are available for nearly every aspect of row crop farming. These precision ag technology tools have made farms more efficient and sustainable while allowing producers to refine their management practices each year. Soil nutrient...
Video
More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-23-24)
Once again, there is very little that is different when it comes to the weather down in South America, as the dry weather has stuck around. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. That dry weather is still allowing...
Mitigating nitrogen loss with a no-burn nitrogen solution
The weather in Iowa this growing season has been unpredictable to say the least. With tornadoes, heavy rainfall and flooding, and even a derecho crossing the state, Iowa has dealt with numerous significant weather issues that bring unique challenges for farmers. With...
Obstacles remain for red meat exports to Canada
Canada is a top five destination for both U.S. beef and pork exports, but shipments are sometimes slowed by regulatory issues. The transition to the Public Health Information System (PHIS) was supposed to simplify this process, but that has obviously not been the case...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
How are conservation practices handling floods?
When we talk about conservation projects for our fields, we are often sold on what it can do to clean up the water and prevent soil erosion by wind and water. As we have witnessed through the spring and early summer, large amounts of rain have fallen across much of...
