Top Stories
Iowa’s experience informs national H5N1 effort
Concerns about H5N1’s potential impact on America’s hog herds have been building for some time, especially since the virus crossed the species barrier in 2024, infecting dairy cattle and a handful of humans. While it hasn’t proven as deadly to mammals as it has to birds, each new species jump brings unique challenges. Animal health experts say the goal now is to get ahead of the curve, understanding how the virus might behave in pigs before it has a chance to take hold. Dr. Anna Forseth,...
Trump’s tariffs are hitting small farms hard
It’s been a volatile first six months for President Trump’s second term in office, and few of his policies have been more unpredictable than his tariffs on other countries. On top of that, few industries see more of a direct impact from these tariffs than agriculture....
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-3-25)
While there is some rain happening in South America, much of it is still pretty dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said harvest on the safrinha crop is in the very early stages in...
How does reconciliation bill affect the farm bill process?
On Tuesday during his weekly ag conference call with farm broadcasters and reporters United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) discussed the future of the farm bill process. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig and other Democrats have warned that...
Strengthening Ag infrastructure, one link at time
Commodity organizations do far more than promote crops and expand global markets—they’re deeply involved in helping farmers succeed on multiple fronts. From building trade partnerships to developing new uses for what we grow, they help create opportunity and...
Iowa student among Helena scholarship winners in 2025
Helena Agri-Enterprises is awarding Gavin Sloss of Guthrie Center with the Homegrown® Scholarship worth $1,000 to pursue a higher education. Sloss is a graduate of ACGC High School and is entering Iowa State University to study agricultural studies. Helena’s Homegrown...
Record ethanol production slows ahead of summer driving demand
The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving...
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FTC Commissioner visits Ankeny to discuss rural issues
This past Saturday, Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya met with Iowa Farmers Union members on the Griffieon Family Farm just north of Ankeny. This was one of many stops Bedoya has made as he continues his lawsuit against the Trump administration, which fired him...
SAF Coalition briefs American Carbon Alliance members
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition joined the American Carbon Alliance’s monthly membership meeting to provide an important update on federal policy developments. The Coalition shared the latest on the sustainable aviation fuel market, highlighting its growing...
Raising healthy pigs is a group effort
Raising healthy pigs doesn’t happen by accident and animal health is at the forefront of all hog producer’s minds. Following biosecurity protocols and proper management strategies are a part of everyday life when raising pigs. Dr. Seth Krantz is a director on the...
China trade obstacles impacting beef and pork exports
Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of U.S. beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that...
Terrain report urges marketing adaptability in 2025
Farmers are facing a season in which margins could be razor-thin, leaving little room for error. With input costs high and commodity prices uncertain, 2025 is shaping up to be a year that rewards those who plan ahead. The best strategy in this kind of environment is a...
