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Farm Bureau applauds House passage of 2026 farm bill
After several months of work and negotiation, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the farm bill, with a bipartisan vote. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it’s been a long time coming. Almost 400 amendments were filed for the House bill, with approximately 50 considered on the floor, and many were passed on a bipartisan basis. Glenn said all eyes are now on the Senate as the...
Ag responds positively to funds for market development
The American Soybean Association joined other groups in applauding the USDA’s efforts to strengthen U.S. trade and food aid. USDA announced a total of $2.3 billion in funds going toward those efforts. “Having these funds to sufficiently support export promotion...
Pork isn’t just for the center of the plate
Yesterday, we talked about the importance of promoting pork domestically, and around the globe. So how is that goal accomplished? Dr. David Newman is back with us to talk about how they target their consumers and educate them on pork's benefits and how it can fit into...
USMEF welcomes additional investments in developing export markets
On Tuesday, the USDA announced it will make funds available through the Commodity Credit Corporation for a Regional Agricultural Promotion Program aimed at expanding opportunities for U.S. agricultural products in international markets. U.S. Meat Export Federation...
Beginning farmers can now apply for PFI’s Savings Incentive Program
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is inviting beginning and aspiring farmers looking for guidance and support to apply for the next round of their Savings Incentive Program. The two-year program helps beginning farmers by providing mentorship from experienced farmers,...
Grassley introduces legislation to regulate ag trade disputes
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is introducing legislation this week that would help to regulate the dispute settlement process for United States ag trade. Grassley says that USTR took too long to act when attempting to settle the dispute with Mexico over...
Many soybean yield-limiting factors seen this year in Iowa
Continuing the conversation about what went on in Iowa production agriculture in terms of pests and diseases that may have impacted final yields over and above or outside of the big limiting factor that everybody talks about – water. It certainly provided a large...
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More Ag News
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...
