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More reaction to house farm bill passage
U.S. agriculture groups continued to react to the House of Representatives’ passing of its 2026 Farm Bill. “Instead of caving to attacks on the livestock industry from groups posing as farmers and ranchers, a bipartisan group advanced a bill that will provide needed certainty for producers,” said Ethan Lane, the vice president of government affairs for the NCBA. Zippy Duvall, President of the Farm Bureau, said the bill includes “important updates to research and conservation, increased loan...
Former Iowa governor Terry Branstad to receive USMEF award
Former Iowa Governor and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad has been selected to receive the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Michael J. Mansfield Award. USMEF established this award in recognition of the U.S. Senate majority leader and ambassador to Japan...
AFB says only short farm bill extension may be needed
An American Farm Bureau official says just a short-term extension of maybe a few weeks will be needed to write a new farm bill but complains lawmakers should have done their job already. That is American Farm Bureau Managing Director of Government Affairs Ryan Yates....
Now is the time to reduce tillage
Seeing the benefits of reduced tillage, on a yield map, from a cost savings standpoint and increased erosion control. All three are absolutely proven, and Evan Brehm, Conservation Agronomist with the Iowa Soybean Association, says it starts with leaving the soil...
FBOI serves record numbers as holiday season approaches
It looks to be a challenging holiday season ahead for Iowans who need food assistance. Record numbers continue to seek help Last month, Food Bank of Iowa partner pantries served more than 191,000 individuals in 55 counties, an all-time high and continuing the...
St. Lawrence Seaway labor disputes threaten shipping
EDITOR'S NOTE: About two and half hours after press time, IARN received word from the Soy Transportation Coalition that the strike has been suspended and a temporary agreement has been reached. Mike Steenhoek released the following statement: "We are pleased the...
Managing soybean cyst nematodes with the right tools
A new tool to manage soybean cyst nematodes has emerged but it needs to be used responsibly. It’s the Peking trait being bred into more and more of our soybean seed varieties. Yet there's a cautionary tale involved, to not become too reliant of Peking. Just like...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-30-24)
Drier conditions have finally made their way to South America, allowing farmers in Brazil and Argentina to catch up on harvest. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. McBride said harvest in Brazil is moving steadily...
New labor law piles even more regulations on farmers
A new rule from the Department of Labor is once again adding to the regulatory burden of farmers and ranchers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that while farmers obviously care about their employees,...
The science behind healthy plant ecosystems
Healthy soil is just as much a part of farming as the health of the plant. Soil health allows for the best ecosystem to assist plant growth throughout the crop season, giving that plant the best opportunity to grow to its maximum potential. Therefore, better soil...
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...
Chief Ag Negotiator McKalip speaks with NAFB members in Washington
We talk a lot about trade and the effects it has on the agricultural economy. We have heard concerns from Ag groups about the trade situation and their worries that the administration isn’t being as aggressive on trade as possible. During the NAFB Washington Watch...
