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Protecting Peking key to Iowa SCN management
Iowa soybean farmers have a powerful tool available in the fight against soybean cyst nematode, but researchers say how farmers use that tool now could determine how effective it remains in the future. Peking resistance has become increasingly available in soybean varieties and is providing strong control of SCN. However, Iowa State University nematologist Greg Tylka says farmers should be careful not to repeat what happened with PI 88788, the resistance source that has dominated the soybean...
Map the Meal Gap study highlights growing presence of food insecurity
The latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America shows the harrowing impact of food insecurity in Iowa and across the country. In this year’s study, data shows that 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children face food insecurity. Additionally, the annual meal gap in...
GLP-1 trend fuels demand for U.S. dairy
Consumer demand is reshaping the dairy industry, introducing new market opportunities for versatile dairy producers. The biggest growth isn't coming from traditional products like cheese and butter. Instead, processors are investing heavily in high-protein milk,...
USDA reminds farmers of important deadlines
USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are approaching for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs, recover from disasters, and strengthen financial protection. The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for...
Extreme heat impacts the Midwest
Extreme heat has been impacting the western two-thirds of the United States in recent days as crops are in critical stages of growth. One example of the intense heat occurred recently in the badlands of South Dakota says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Although...
Farmers continue embracing conservation practices
Iowa farmers continue adopting conservation practices at a record pace, and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says new state investments will help keep that momentum going. During a recent interview, Naig said conservation remains one of the department's top...
U.S. pork exports to Japan show strong rebound
Exports of U.S. pork to Japan have shown an impressive rebound in 2026. The market has faced challenges such as high energy costs and a weak yen against the U.S. dollar, but some value sectors have increasingly relied on U.S. pork loin and pork butt. USMEF President...
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Iowa producers can use RFID tags to improve traceability and check-in for exhibition swine
Swine exhibition sites, state pork associations, and Extension programs with a current Premises Identification Number (PIN) are eligible to apply for up to four handheld radio-frequency identification, or RFID, tag readers. Brent Pepin, director of swine health at the...
Crop disease progression has been slower in Iowa this year
As a general statement, disease pressure has been lower this year in Iowa than in 2025. However, farmers still have their hands full dealing with disease pressure as familiar threats like tar spot and newer problems such as southern rust are being found in Iowa’s...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-6-26)
This week’s export sales were decent once again and provided some baseline support for the grain markets. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers from the USDA. While the soybean sales weren’t bad, McBride said they were...
Iowa farmers urged to act before options disappear
As many farm operations continue working through a challenging economic environment, experts say recognizing financial problems early can make a significant difference. While many producers wait until lenders raise concerns, addressing financial issues sooner can...
Rainfall supports higher yield estimates for Iowa crops
Another round of rain has gone through the state, and this time the western region finally got some relieving moisture. As indicated by the August producer survey from StoneX, this may lead to a strong crop for most Iowa farmers. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at...
