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Naig highlights bipartisan wins for Iowa agriculture
The Iowa Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session with several agriculture-related priorities crossing the finish line, including the bipartisan Iowa Farm Act and a major water quality and infrastructure funding package. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said the Farm Act marked the first time Iowa approved a broad package of comprehensive agriculture legislation addressing multiple industry concerns at once. The legislation includes provisions aimed at improving Iowa’s ability to respond to...
La Nina returns this summer after brief El Nino
After a few years in a solid La Nina weather pattern, this winter saw a strong El Nino. However, that didn’t last long, as we are already back to ENSO-neutral, which will then lead to La Nina again this summer. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
Keep mental health in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and...
Grassley urges better data reporting on avian influenza in dairy cows
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) responded on Thursday to a Washington Post story critical of bird flu testing in dairy cows and the sharing of results. Grassley says that the logistics of mandating more testing in millions of cows would be difficult....
USDA requires H5N1 testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday mandated testing for H5N1 of dairy cattle that cross state lines. The move is to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of avian influenza. Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative...
USDA Undersecretary Taylor returns from India
Trade is top of mind in the agriculture industry. Growing and maintaining our list of trading partners is essential, especially given the circumstances of the trade glut we have experienced in the past year or so. It is especially important to make regular trade trips...
Final GREET model guidance expected soon
As the month of April winds down, ethanol industry leaders are anxiously awaiting the release of the GREET model which will determine eligibility for tax credits for ethanol used in sustainable aviation fuel. The model will determine the future of the ethanol industry...
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Colombia fully reopens to U.S. beef trade
The Colombian government recently lifted its ban on U.S. beef originating from states in which H5N1 was detected in dairy cows. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that the reopening of beef trade comes after tireless work from USDA and...
Landus Advantage keeps farmer freight trucks rolling
Landus recently announced the acquisition of DSM Advantage, which also marks the launch of a new freight brokering division, Landus Advantage. Farmer-owners rely on Landus to consistently provide them with opportunities to keep their trucks moving. Andy Unruh,...
Secretary Naig encourages Iowans to celebrate Iowa Local Food Day
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowans to celebrate Iowa Local Food Day on Wednesday, September 25. Initiated in 2018 by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Local Food Day is held annually on the fourth Wednesday in...
MyPlate partnership touts the benefits of pork consumption
MyPlate is a visual tool used to translate the USDA’s dietary guidelines for Americans. Kristen Hicks-Roof is the director of human nutrition for the National Pork Board (NPB), and she says that MyPlate helps create a balanced plate. She says that NPB can demonstrate...
EPA still very murky on WOTUS clarity
This has been going on for more than a decade already. The back and forth between the Waters of The United States (WOTUS) from the Obama Administration, the Navigable Waters Act of the Trump Administration, and now the New WOTUS from President Biden’s EPA. Definitions...
