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U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year, USDA says
The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to about 1.865 million last year, down from roughly 1.88 million in 2024. The decline spanned nearly all size and sales categories, with smaller operations — particularly those reporting $1,000 to $9,999 in annual sales — posting the...
Iowa ag efforts meet setbacks as policy debates continue
Iowa agriculture continues to face pressure from growing production and slower demand growth, a dynamic that has weighed on commodity prices and raised broader questions about market access for farmers. Those issues were discussed earlier this week during a...
Potential ag impacts from significant winter system
A winter storm is set to move across the country this week and could have adverse effects for agriculture. The storm is unique in that it is tracking farther south than would be expected at this time of the year says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Southern states are...
Trump’s tariffs make a tough economy even tougher
As President Trump continues with his trade policies, farmers in Iowa are feeling the squeeze economically. It’s going to take much more than a bridge payment to make sure that family farms in Iowa are able to keep operating in the future. Iowa Farmers Union President...
Analysis shows the farm economy still needs help
While some progress has been made in stabilizing the farm economy through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, recent numbers show that farmers still need help. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau...
Iowa Corn Growers furious with new development on E15
The House is expected to advance a funding bill today that omits language that would allow consumers across the country to access fuels with a 15% corn ethanol blend, often referred to as E15. In response to this development, Iowa Corn Growers Association President...
Featured Conversation: ICGA addresses land use concerns
Carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa remain a highly discussed issue, particularly as landowners raise questions about how such projects could affect farmland and property rights. While economic impacts and market access have been central to the discussion,...
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More Ag News
U.S. Cattle Inventory Report preview
USDA is set to publish the U.S. Cattle Inventory Report on Friday. The report will update the numbers of the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Dr. Derrell Peel, a livestock market economist for Oklahoma State University, says the numbers could show that the industry...
U.S. dairy experiencing changing industry dynamics
As farmers and ranchers work to adapt to changing economic conditions across the farm economy, one sector in particular is undergoing significant shifts. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said that U.S. dairy production is reaching...
Clean Fuels wants 45Z rules finalized
Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to President Donald Trump highlighting the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel industry’s contribution to U.S. energy security and rural prosperity. The President is embarking on visits across the...
President Trump vows to support year-round E15 sales
Yesterday, President Donald Trump visited the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, with the message of “Lower Prices, Bigger Paychecks.” During his speech, President Trump celebrated the accomplishments of his first year in office again, highlighting the work he has...
Early legislative debates touch core issues for Iowa farmers
Just a few weeks into the Iowa legislative session, agriculture is already firmly on the agenda. While lawmakers are still early in the process, several issues important to farmers and rural communities are already drawing attention at the Capitol. Earlier this month,...
