Top Stories
More farmers using drones than ever
Just a few years ago, drones were a novelty in the agricultural world. Today they are being used in ever increasing numbers and are becoming a major part of farming operations across the country. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that drones are being used on an increasing number of farmland acres. Nelson says that drones are becoming more popular because they complement more traditional spraying methods with crop dusters or ground rigs. Drones are being...
Farm bill expiration leaves rural programs in uncertainty
The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30, leaving Congress without a new long-term agriculture policy. The Farm Bill covers farm safety-net programs, conservation, crop insurance, food assistance, and other programs important to rural America....
Earlier planted soybeans reshape waterhemp management
Earlier soybean planting has become increasingly common as growers look to extend the growing season and capture more yield potential. But that shift can also change the timing of one of the crop's biggest weed management challenges. BASF Technical Marketing Manager...
Secretary Rollins announces funding for new Seed Sovereignty Initiative
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Prairie City, Iowa, today to announce a $180 million investment into a new Seed Sovereignty Initiative, which aims to protect valuable plant genetics resources and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agriculture innovation. Rollins said...
Grassley discusses approval of off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment
Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road harvest activities. The action will provide some federal and state fuel tax relief for...
Propane supplies ready to handle heavy demand
Iowa farmers have finally been able to get in the field after several rain delays. Now that harvest is underway across most of the Corn Belt, propane suppliers are keeping a close eye on crop conditions and weather forecasts. Since this fall has been so wet, there may...
Diesel tax relief for Iowa farmers during busy harvest season
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement in response to President Trump and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road...
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More Ag News
Historic Iowa rainfall washed nitrogen away from crop roots
It’s been a historic year for rain in Iowa, and while rain is normally a good thing, too much of it can cause crop issues. Outside of physical damage, disease, and soil issues, excessive rains can cause nitrogen runoff, which may have led to the lower yields Iowa...
ARC and PLC payout highest ever
ARC and PLC will pay out record amounts to producers this year as the amounts were raised under last year’s Working Families Tax Cut Act. That is United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) referencing ARC and PLC, he says that the programs have been adjusted and now...
Markets await October USDA supply and demand estimates
USDA’s October Crop Production Report and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, or WASDE, are scheduled for release at noon Eastern Time on Oct. 9. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the October reports will incorporate key data...
NPB launches advisory committees to strengthen producer input
One of the cornerstones of the National Pork Board (NPB) is focusing on producer priorities. Six producer-led advisory committees were established recently to align with NPB’s strategic plan. NPB CEO David Newman said the board is built by farmers, for farmers. Unlike...
Opening the playbook on soybean variety selection
Managing soybean cyst nematode can influence more than how farmers protect yield. The resistance needed to manage the pest can also affect which soybean varieties are available to match the other agronomic needs of an individual field. BASF is developing its...
