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Wider tassel wrap issues put focus on genetics
Many Midwest farmers are finding more tassel wrap in their fields this season than in years past. The condition occurs when tassels remain trapped within the plant’s upper leaves, limiting pollen shed and interfering with pollination. That lack of pollination can lead to yield losses in the affected areas. Agronomists say the rise in cases this year has made the problem harder to ignore. Agronomists say the rise in tassel wrap this season is linked not just to the weather, but also to the...
Taking a look at A-Frame Acres in southwest Iowa
When it comes to raising pigs, giving them plenty of space can be an effective method of promoting herd health. If you can keep your pigs happy and healthy, you’ll end up with an even better product. That’s the goal of A-Frame Acres down in southwest Iowa, where...
Tissue sampling is vital to managing in-season nutrition
The best way to manage in-season nutrition is by letting your crops tell you what they need. This is done through tissue sampling which will provide a checklist of the nutrients your crops are lacking. That is Ryan Steffensen, a branch manager with Helena Agri...
Farmers need to have a seat at the MAHA table
The much-anticipated recommendations from the Make America Healthy Commission will be released soon. In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said the commission must seek farmers' input. Duvall said they appreciate the communication from...
‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa at the 2025 ISF
DES MOINES, Iowa (July 31, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomes Iowa State Fairgoers to indulge in fun ‘Fair Sweet Fair’ experiences with Choose Iowa during the annual 11-day event slated for Aug. 7 through Aug. 17 in Des Moines. Choose Iowa, a...
Grain donations could turn harvests into hope
Hunger remains a persistent challenge across the country, affecting people of all backgrounds, incomes, and communities. It’s a crisis that cuts across urban and rural lines alike, with food pantries and assistance programs struggling to keep up as demand grows. More...
Heat dome ridge led to derecho in Upper Midwest
The Midwest heat dome is finally broken, and temperatures are now much more pleasant. The heat dome didn’t leave quietly, though, as it caused a derecho to form and tear across much of the Upper Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said a “ring of...
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More Ag News
From hard times to harvest, Iowa farms endure
Farming has never been an easy profession, with challenges that stretch far beyond the farm gate. While agriculture faces its pressures from weather, markets, and regulations, farmers have also endured the ripple effects of global events such as wars, famines, and...
Grassley discusses farmer concerns at Iowa State Fair
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has visited the Iowa State Fair at least once every year since 1974. On Friday he made his annual visit to the fairgrounds and stopped by the Iowa Ag Radio exhibit. Senator Grassley tells the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network...
Iowa State Fair crowns 2025 Big Boar champion
While it may not have been another record, this year’s big boar at the Iowa State Fair still tipped the scales at a hefty 1,268 pounds. The winning pig, Duke, is owned by Brian Britt out of Monticello, Iowa. Britt said he has raised Duke since he was born. In order to...
Wetter weather leads to enhanced disease pressure
We’ve had a very successful crop year, but the intense amount of moisture recently has led to some concerns. Emily Prevo, an AgriGold agronomist in southern Iowa, said farmers are worried about water pooling and nitrogen runoff from all of the rain. Prevo said the...
U.S. ag trade deficit continues climbing in 2025
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit a record high in the first half of 2025. Bloomberg said that only highlights American farmers’ longtime dominant role in world exports, which is hurt by President Donald Trump’s trade wars. Agricultural export value trailed the...
