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Weather will affect how much disease pressure we see in 2026
Due to the beautiful weather we have seen in Iowa recently, which has included some cool and wet nights, tar spot has already been detected in some fields across the state. However, this week’s much hotter temperatures should suppress any additional pressure from tar spot for the time being. Dan Bjorklund, technical agronomist at Landus Cooperative, said the weather in July will play a huge role in determining what disease pressure we will see this crop season. Southern rust, which became a...
Naig confident that Rollins can do the job at USDA
Before her recent Senate confirmation hearing, Brooke Rollins faced skepticism over her lack of direct agricultural experience but sought to reassure lawmakers by highlighting her rural roots and policy background. Despite initial doubts, her testimony resonated with...
Hy-Vee donates $1.5 million to Food Bank of Iowa
Yesterday, Hy-Vee donated over $1.5 million to the Food Bank of Iowa as part of the 100 Million Meals Challenge. This donation was made possible through the customers who round up at Hy-Vee cash registers as well as Hy-Vee’s partnerships with food manufacturers. Over...
AFBF delegates set 2025 policy priorities
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention considered many important topics before setting the highest priority ones for this year. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said delegates discussed a variety of issues. Duvall...
Egg prices remain on the rise for consumers
Sticker shock at the grocery store has been nothing new for consumers in the 2020s. However, one product that has previously been pocketbook friendly has seen continued price increases as reflected in month-over-month, and year-over-year, comparisons. USDA economist...
Vilsack to lead World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation says former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will serve as the new CEO of the organization beginning on March 1, 2025. As the CEO, the Foundation says Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-13-25)
Concerns about the dry weather are becoming more real in South America- in fact, it's to the point where the USDA is now adjusting its crop projections. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said there's some rain in the forecast, but the overall climate is going to...
Farmers travel to Washington D.C. to talk labor issues
Officials with the White House, Department of Labor, and USDA hosted a roundtable with farmers and ranchers to talk about labor challenges facing agriculture. Officials with the White House, Department of Labor, and USDA hosted a roundtable with farmers and ranchers...
U.S. agriculture is looking for certainty
Uncertainty in the ag sector is nothing new. However, the level of uncertainty for all areas of agriculture has ramped up in 2025. Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, says that U.S. agriculture needs more stable ground to stand on to be as efficient...
Secretary Naig encourages farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is again offering state cost-share incentives for using cover crops. The annual program, which is available to eligible first-time users as well as...
Farming smarter with microbial nitrogen tools
Nitrogen is essential to growing a healthy crop, but it can come with environmental and regulatory challenges. As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for consumers and policymakers, farmers seek solutions that maintain productivity while reducing runoff and...
