Top Stories
Updated yield and acreage numbers to be featured in August WASDE and crop reports
The August WASDE report will be published by USDA on August 12th and will feature the latest USDA yield estimates. This makes the August WASDE and crop reports some of the more important reports of the year says USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski. Jekanowski says that the National Agricultural Statistics Service will also be providing updated acreage numbers in this month’s reports. Jekanowski provides some more background information on the acreage numbers in the...
Iowa 4-H youth development receives $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care
Iowa 4-H Youth Development today announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The grant will support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties....
New herbicide technology aims to tackle Iowa’s weed challenges
As harvest wraps up across Iowa, many farmers are already turning their attention to 2026 and the tools they will need to stay ahead of stubborn weeds. Weed pressure itself was not overwhelming this year, but the challenge remains constant. Waterhemp and Palmer...
AFBF recognizes Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence recipient
A retired Army veteran is the second winner of the American Farm Bureau Federation Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award, presented with the support of Farm Credit, goes to retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina, who had an...
Soybean meal promotes herd health for U.S. swine
With the FY2026 budget approved, the United Soybean Board (USB) is looking forward to continuing to drive soybean demand for U.S. soybean farmers. The majority of that demand comes from the livestock industry, where soybean products can be used to enhance feedstocks....
September soybean crush likely sets record
A new Reuters poll said soybean processors likely crushed a record number of soybeans in September as new facilities ramp up operations. That poll took place as market watchers continued relying on private estimates during the government shutdown. According to a note...
Putting safety first when managing manure systems
Manure from hog operations is a renewable, sustainable resource that adds significant value to agricultural systems. However, as with all aspects of agriculture, safety is the first priority when managing manure systems says Marguerite Tan, director of environmental...
Video
More Ag News
Farmers should take more time to market grain
With the current market conditions and overseas trade challenges, many farmers are holding onto their grain for the right time to sell. But holding grain longer brings challenges that can impact its overall quality and value. Even small declines in quality and small...
Takeaways from disease pressure during the growing season
2025 was a year of disease pressure that caused headaches for farmers throughout the growing season. Southern rust was a major yield robber and invaded corn growing areas that normally do not have to deal with the disease. Lynn Justesen is a technical services lead...
USMEF looking to further develop strong demand for U.S. protein
Even though we are waiting for the final export numbers for 2025 to be tallied, we already know that demand for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb remained strong last year despite several strong headwinds, including tariffs, a strong dollar, and tight beef supplies. U.S. Meat...
USDA sets new research priorities for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water...
Could a coast to coast railroad help or hurt agriculture?
A major shakeup could be coming to the U.S. railroad network, and agriculture is keeping a close eye on it. Union Pacific is working on a deal to acquire Norfolk Southern. If it goes through, it will create the first true coast-to-coast rail system in the country. The...
