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USDA could regain food aid programs
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman wants two major U.S. foreign food aid programs returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Boozman says USDA is better equipped than the State Department to oversee programs built around American agriculture. Boozman hopes to include the change in the next farm bill. However, because the programs currently fall under the State Department, the proposal also requires support from congressional committees outside the Senate Agriculture...
Sources of optimism and concern heading into growing season ’25
The winter of 2024-2025 has not provided much moisture to the state of Iowa to help replenish the soil moisture profile. Last week’s rainfall provided a much-needed shot to the arm but overall, the winter has been mostly mild with little in the way of rain and snow....
Secretary Naig invites applications for Century and Heritage Farm recognition
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig invites eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the...
Tepid response to March WASDE report
Expectations were low for the March WASDE report, and those expectations were met almost squarely on the nose. This is typical for the March WASDE report, as the markets are already looking ahead to the reports at the end of the month. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Corn growers pushing to get year-round access to E15
The National Corn Growers Association recently put out a call to action to help push year-round E15 across the finish line. Neil Caskey, CEO of the NCGA, said securing permanent access to E15 would be a significant boost for a tough ag economy. Year-round E15 wouldn’t...
Talking soy export wins and trade dynamics with USSEC
Despite the challenges facing the agricultural economy, there are still reasons to be optimistic—especially regarding the soybean trade. Recent numbers reveal promising gains, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. soybeans on the global market. These...
Strong U.S. red meat export totals for January
Exports of U.S. beef trended higher than a year ago in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were slightly below last January’s large totals, despite another outstanding performance in Mexico...
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ISU combining solar farms with production agriculture
There’s a unique form of agriculture being studied at Iowa State University: “agrivoltaics,” which is the crossroads between solar power production and farming practices. At the Alliant Energy Solar Farm south of Ames, they’re trying to figure out which ag practices...
Increased RFS volumes from EPA give support to soy complex
Last week the Environmental Protection Agency released the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2026 and 2027. The increased volume of biomass-based diesel compared to recent years sent the price of soybean oil limit-up with a $3.00 increase on Friday followed...
BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark returns Saturday
The countdown is on! BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is back for its third year, and it’s heating up to be bigger and better than ever. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs, and Fareway, the family-friendly event kicks off this Saturday,...
Ag industry can help recent graduates start careers strong
Many new college graduates are out looking for jobs to start their careers, and the ag industry is a good place to begin. A company in Massena, Iowa, is dedicated to helping those recent graduates find their starting point in agriculture. Tammy Jensen, president of...
Proposed biofuels volumes bring optimism to Iowa
The biofuels industry has faced a rough stretch in recent years, with uncertainty and setbacks taking a toll not just on producers but on the entire agricultural economy. Blending decisions made under the previous administration led to the closure of several ethanol...
