Top Stories
Promoting pork for today’s tastes
Driving pork demand and swine health remain top priorities for newly-elected National Pork Board President Chad Groves. He mentioned the importance of the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” campaign in promoting pork consumption and acknowledged the industry’s commitment to the turning point in swine health. According to Groves, since its launch in May 2025, the digital-forward campaign has been a useful tool for understanding consumers. Change won’t happen overnight, but the tide is turning. Groves...
NPPC President Lori Stevermer testifies before Senate and discusses Prop 12
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn., brought the industry’s point of view to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee today through her “Perspectives from the Field” hearing...
Slowing equipment purchases highlight pressures on the rural economy
The downturn in commodity prices doesn’t just impact farmers—it sends shockwaves through the entire agricultural economy, affecting everyone from equipment dealers to rural retailers. When farmers tighten their budgets, they spend less on machinery, supplies, and even...
Using carbon markets to increase profit margins
As input prices make margins tighten, farmers are looking for other ways to increase their profits. One option is to enroll in a carbon market program. Lisa Kubik, inside sales manager with Agoro Carbon, said they have a variety of programs farmers can take advantage...
Animal disease response training exercise helps stakeholders prepare
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is among various animal health groups involved in tabletop training exercises to improve response to a potential disease incident or outbreak. USDA Chief Veterinarian Rosemary Sifford says that training exercises can...
AFBF appreciates release on USDA funding freeze
The White House released a freeze on $20 million in Inflation Reduction Act money for contracts signed with farmers under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. American...
Four farmers elected to Practical Farmers of Iowa’s board of directors
Alec Amundson, Wade Dooley, Brice Hundling and Natasha Wilson are the newest additions to Practical Farmers of Iowa’s board of directors. Elected by PFI members in January, their support ensures farmer priorities continue to guide and ground the organization’s work....
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More Ag News
Swine producers feeling cautiously optimistic for 2025
Following a historic downturn in the swine industry in 2024, producers are feeling more optimistic about what 2025 will bring. So far, the first half of the year has been good to producers across Iowa. Chris Ford, vice president of swine agribusiness with Farm Credit...
Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign is built for the modern consumer
Taste What Pork Can Do is the new industry wide campaign from the National Pork Board that primarily uses digital media to connect with younger consumers. The campaign has been active for about a month, and the Iowa Ag Radio Network got an update on the campaign from...
Addressing the increasing age of farmers and ranchers
Data shows that the average age of American farmers and ranchers is getting higher. This is a major concern in farm country because it means that newer generations aren’t returning to the farm. American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall testified on this...
Researchers develop a new avian influenza test
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza. The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian...
National Corn Growers urge permanent E15 access
Year-round availability of E15 fuel remains a top priority for both the ethanol industry and corn farmers. While we've spoken with ethanol groups in the past about how vital it is for domestic biofuel production, it's just as important to the grain markets that supply...
