Top Stories
Trade announcements with China are a positive step forward
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met recently to discuss trade and other topics. This may be a sign that trade tensions are slowly thawing between the United States and China. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said China remains a top trading priority, even after disruptions last year. During recent talks, China and the U.S. agreed to some additional agricultural purchases on top of commitments made last year. Parum said trade...
Rainfall slowing planting progress across the Corn Belt
Rainfall and wet conditions are slowing planting progress in the Midwest. Betty Resnick, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said a lot of the slowdown is taking place in the Corn Belt. Resnick said we’re still early in the planting season for major...
Innovation and technology helping farmers reach sustainability goals
The mission of the U.S. Grains Council is to develop markets, enable trade, and improve lives. Carlos Suarez is the manager of sustainability, policy, and innovation for the U.S. Grains Council and says that sustainability is becoming more of a central focus across...
Iowa crop progress and condition report
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and...
Senator Ernst reacts to Stabenow’s version of Farm Bill
Last week, the respective Chairpeople of the House & Senate Ag Committees released their visions for a Farm Bill. While House Ag Committee Chairman GT Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican, released a framework for legislation that he wants to mark up by May 23rd,...
Rain delays causing potentially premature market reactions
Rain continues to delay planting across the Corn Belt, but since rain makes grain, it’s pretty worth it at this point. However, we are getting closer and closer to that planting deadline, and the markets were feeling the heat today and shot upwards. Robin Schmahl of...
U.S. agriculture not immune to cyberthreats
Cyberattacks are on the increase and are being used to target industrial systems that are utilized by U.S. agriculture, that’s according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. Haines tells the Senate Armed Services Committee the U.S. intelligence community...
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More Ag News
EPA finalizes rule on pesticide exclusion zones
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard. The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are...
NICC is preparing students for the future of agriculture & dairy
Farming is an industry that survives via succession. The participation of multiple generations is what is needed to keep a farm operating for years to come. Beyond the farm, there are so many Ag-related fields that offer support to farming operations each day. Ag...
Dry conditions mean an enhanced risk for field fires
This year’s harvest is looking to be a bumper crop, and the drier weather conditions have allowed farmers to work mostly unimpeded. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said most farmers in his area are very happy with their yields. This has officially been the...
Fall flavors go well with pork
As the weather cools, pork is perfect for pairing with the most popular fall flavors. Charlie Torgerson, contractor and channel marketing development brand manager for the National Pork Board, talks about some of the perfect options. Torgerson said there are several...
IDALS has crop insurance discount for cover crop acres
We have been seeing the push towards more conservation farming practices for a while now. The results have been looking good when it comes to protecting the soil and water in the state. One of the most common practices we are seeing used is cover crops. It is one of...
