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USDA finalizes stage two of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
Eligible farmers and ranchers are now invited to apply for specific disaster relief. The American Relief Act, passed in late 2024, authorized the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and applications for farmers and ranchers are now open. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the program provides relief from natural disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024. Munch said this program shares some similarities with previous disaster assistance programs, but also...
Iowa Farmers asking for commonsense, climate-smart Farm Bill
As the Farm Bill is already six months late and languishing as an extension based on five to ten-year-old data, farmers are concerned with ensuring it gets done on time to avoid another year of kicking the can down the road. There is already a high probability that...
Senators: livestock consolidation a “bad deal” for consumers, ranchers
Senators Chuck Grassley and Jon Tester encourage their Senate colleagues to oppose recent efforts that they say will weaken the Packers and Stockyards Act. The upcoming Fiscal year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations bill includes provisions Grassley and Tester say would...
National FFA Week celebrates past, present, and future members
We’re currently in the middle of National FFA Week, and members across the state of Iowa have been celebrating through all sorts of activities. In fact, the Iowa FFA leadership team has been travelling everywhere to visit as many of the local chapters as possible....
EPA considers slowing shift to electric vehicles
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering slowing tailpipe emission limits, which would give automakers more time to increase electric vehicle sales. The New York Times, followed by the Washington Post, reported the change, which could be viewed by some as a...
Start protecting your crops early in the growing season
Several yield factors, like minimizing inputs and maximizing weed and disease control, are at the top of every farmer’s mind as the 2024 planting season approaches. Getting a head start with early-season crop protection can help farmers reduce the stress their crops,...
Assessment shows U.S. soy’s carbon footprint has considerably decreased
A newly released Life Cycle Assessment found the U.S. soybean industry’s global warming potential profile decreased considerably in 2021 for whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soy oil compared to previously reported findings in 2015 and 2010. Commissioned by the United...
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Smithfield foods closing its Altoona Iowa facility
Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate the production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield says it will provide transition assistance to the 314 employees at the...
July weather forecast for the Midwest and Corn Belt
With July a critical month for crop growth in Iowa, growers have their eyes fixed on the latest weather forecasts in hopes of timely rains for their crops. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a cooler trend is in store for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt to begin...
Cover Crop Business Accelerator from PFI and ISA celebrates 5 years
Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association offer their Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program to support cover crop adoption in the Midwest. The program is now in its fifth year, and it helps new and emerging cover crop businesses with the seed...
Class III milk futures likely to see continued choppiness
The Class III milk market has experienced significant volatility recently, with prices fluctuating and market participants seeking clear direction. Kathleen Wolfley, an agriculture broker with Ever.Ag, provided insights into the current dynamics and future outlook for...
Independence Day means so much more than a day off
Today, as most of us enjoy a day off work, we should take the time to reflect on what the 4th of July means. 248 years ago, men from across a fledgling nation sat in a small room in Philadelphia and found a way to put aside their differences and come to an mutually...
