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Applications open for 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program
USDA announced it is now accepting applications for the 2025 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the program, first announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in late September, was authorized by Congress in the budget reconciliation bill passed earlier this year. The program provides $285 million to promote agricultural trade. Halstrom said it is designed to enhance existing trade assistance such as the USDA Market...
Purina offers risk management tools for dairy producers
The dairy industry has had more than its fair share of challenges in the past few years, but those producers are resilient as ever, and with the right tools and support they are going to have a level of certainty that is desperately needed. Purina is also offering...
Records shattered as more Iowans seek help with food
Food Bank of Iowa and its partners across 55 counties continue to serve more and more neighbors who need food assistance. For 19 months, new records have been set as the number of Iowans facing food insecurity continues to climb at an alarming rate, says Food Bank of...
USDA now accepting online loan applications
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new online application for Direct Loan customers. USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said the agency is trying to make things more convenient for U.S. producers. “America’s farmers are working...
Pleasant surprises and silver linings from the 2023 crop
There were plenty of challenges that farmers faced during this year’s crop season, but, with harvest wrapped up now, many farmers can say that there were some pleasant surprises, especially when it comes to yields. Jared Goplen, agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids,...
Treasury tax rule to decide future of SAF
Sustainable aviation fuel could open the next big market for the renewable fuels industry but to get the project off the ground the Treasury Department will need to provide guidance for sustainable aviation fuel tax credits. Sustainable aviation fuel is a potential...
HPAI case confirmed in Mills County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Mills County, Iowa. The affected site...
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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...
