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Diesel aid could drive farm payments to record levels
USDA’s new Harvest Fuel Relief Program could push government payments to farmers to a record $55.4 billion in 2026. According to Progressive Farmer, that’s if the estimated $8 billion in diesel assistance is distributed before year’s end. That would surpass the previous high of $45.6 billion in 2020 and account for nearly one-third of USDA’s projected 2026 net farm income. The program comes as farmers face elevated fuel and fertilizer costs tied in part to Middle East conflict-related market...
FFA grows as Iowa students return to school
As many Iowa students return to the classroom this week, FFA is beginning another school year with continued growth both in Iowa and across the country. National FFA recently wrapped up its latest membership year with more than one million members nationwide. National...
Farm credit conditions weaken across Upper Midwest
Financial pressure is building in farm country. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reports that agricultural credit conditions across the Upper Midwest weakened in the second quarter compared with a year ago. Bankers highlight commodity price volatility, high...
Attorney General Todd Blanche addresses Iowa farmers’ fertilizer price concerns
On Thursday United States Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward visited the Iowa Ag Radio Network at the Iowa State Fair to discuss some of the most prominent agriculture issues relevant to the Department of Justice’s...
Pro Farmer Crop Tour concludes, projects lower corn, higher soybean yields vs. 2025
Pro Farmer is projecting a smaller U.S. corn crop in 2026 after its annual Crop Tour found lower yield potential across much of the Corn Belt. The organization estimates the national corn yield at 173.2 bushels per acre, with production totaling 15.344 billion...
Rural healthcare among top issues in Iowa Senate race
It’s no secret that the farm economy has been tough on our rural communities in recent years. On top of losing local restaurants and grocery stores, many small towns are now in healthcare deserts as rural clinics and other facilities continue to close. As we approach...
Beef supporters turned crisis into lasting impact
What started as an effort to recognize young livestock exhibitors during a canceled Iowa State Fair has grown into an organization that has raised $1.3 million in just a few years. The Iowa State Fair Beef Champions Supporters formed in 2020 after the COVID pandemic...
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Naig reveals additional funding for Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program
Just 10 days of the program expansion being announced at the Iowa State Fair, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig said funding for the expanded Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program was fully obligated to Iowa livestock producers. Naig said the program, which is...
GeoKnife offers Iowa growers a new approach to soil sampling
At this week’s Farm Progress Show the Iowa Ag Radio Network stopped by the PTx tent to learn about the new soil sampling tool, GeoKnife, from Radicle Agronomics. Adam Vaccari explains the thought process around the development of GeoKnife and how it can help Iowa’s...
DOJ expands beef price investigation to major retailers
The U.S. Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into record-high beef prices, widening its review to include eight major grocery chains, according to Meatingplace. The retailers involved are Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize,...
Farmers and ranchers are facing a growing pile of issues
While there is a rebound in ag exports for 2025 and 2026, growth remains below desired levels. New policy measures out of Washington, such as President Trump’s decision to allow tariff-free beef imports, are creating even higher levels of uncertainty for farmers and...
Small refinery exemptions raise big questions
EPA’s latest round of small refinery exemptions is raising concerns within the ethanol industry, after the agency granted exemptions to 29 refineries under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The exemptions allow qualifying refineries to avoid some of their renewable fuel...
