Top Stories
Barn owls take the night shift to protect farms from rodents
Today, more farmers are taking advantage of barn owls for rodent control on their farms. Jennifer Ackerman, an ornithologist and author, discussed what makes barn owls so effective for pest management. She said that barn owls are excellent rodent hunters and a better alternative to rodenticides, which can be poisonous for potential rodent predators. Ackerman shared the factors to consider when choosing locations for barn owl nesting boxes. She highlighted the location's openness, height, and...
Grassley discusses the USMCA ahead of July 1st review
Last week President Trump said that he does not plan to renew USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement) ahead of its mandatory July 1 review. On Tuesday United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the president’s comments and whether Grassley and other...
U.S. Senators call for more action against NWS
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging the USDA to take additional steps to contain the growing New World Screwworm outbreak in the U.S. The lawmakers, led by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, sent a letter to USDA expressing concern about the threat the...
USDA reports mixed red meat exports for April
USDA data release compiled by the U.S Meat Export Federation (USMEF) seemed encouraging for U.S. pork exports as a strong momentum was maintained throughout April. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom reports an 8% increase in pork exports consequent to the growth in...
George Washington’s cherries reveal agricultural legacy
The story of George Washington and a cherry tree has long been part of American folklore. While historians have dismissed that tale as fiction, a recent discovery at Mount Vernon has revealed a very real connection between the nation's first president and the fruit he...
Swine producers taking advantage of strong economic factors
The swine industry has seen some rough times in recent years, but now things are finally feeling much better. When hog prices are good, it’s smart to look at ways to improve your operation while also keeping those profits intact. Chris Ford, vice president of swine...
June soybean outlook from USDA features small changes
The June WASDE report is typically moved on from quickly because of the importance of the reports at the end of the month. On June 30th the USDA will release the Planted Acreage and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports which will have the potential to move the markets...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-23-26)
Once again, the weather forecasts in South America are leaning more towards drier weather. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said both Brazil and Argentina should see a lack of rain. McBride said that, once the El Nino weather pattern kicks in more, South...
Senator Grassley discusses Senate Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft
Today the office of Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman released the outline for the Senator’s Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that while he prefers the House version of the farm bill, he is excited to move forward with the...
Boozman releases the outline for Farm Bill 2.0 discussion draft
FARM BILL 2.0 BUILT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO FEED AMERICA The Agricultural Act of 2026 is built for the people who feed America. A modernized farm bill means more certainty for America’s farm families, rural communities and food supply. TOPLINE Builds upon the Working...
Iowa farmers tell story of American beef to Japanese consumers
Two Iowa farms will be the centerpiece of a U.S. beef marketing campaign in Japan. Chance and Shayne Wiese and their 1904 fifth-generation Herefords farm were the first one featured. Shayne shared the story of their farm and acknowledged the rare opportunity to...
Bankruptcy filings signal ongoing farm financial stress
Farm bankruptcies across the country remain at levels not seen since the disruptions of the COVID era, and legal experts say that should concern producers and lenders alike. While the pace of filings this year is similar to last year, that does not mean the farm...
