Top Stories
Stay prepared for natural disasters in farm country
Here in Iowa, tornadoes and other severe weather storms can decimate an area in no time. The same is true for much of the country- in fact, data shows that 90% of US counties have experienced a flood, hurricane, wildfire, or other calamity serious enough to receive a federal disaster declaration between 2011-2021. That makes it increasingly important for everyone to have disaster plans ready today in order to be prepared for tomorrow. Sean Voskuhl, state director for AARP Oklahoma, said there...
Grassley addresses the chances of a farm bill in 2025
After Congress included farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill, talk in Washington D.C. shifted to crafting a “skinny farm bill” before the end of 2025. The scaled down version of the traditional farm bill would address the remaining ag programs that were...
Ag groups support new trade deals
A series of new trade deals between the United States and countries around the world will directly benefit America’s farmers and ranchers. Groups like the American Farm Bureau support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help connect U.S. farmers...
Iowa farmers facing tough fungicide calls
Wetter conditions and warmer temperatures have set the stage for a more active disease season in Iowa corn fields. Tar spot and northern corn leaf blight have already made their presence known in several areas, and concern is growing as the crop nears critical...
Hot and humid conditions and the impact on agriculture
This week in Iowa has been hot, humid, and wet with frequent rainfall and humidity that has stressed humans and livestock. Iowa is not alone as the United States has featured wide swaths of similar weather. The extremes of the hot and humid weather have been felt in...
Smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1973
The July Cattle on Feed Report offered little relief to customers paying higher prices for beef. That’s despite the cycle of herd liquidation that seems to be slowly ending. There were 94.2 million cattle and calves in the U.S. as of July 1, the lowest mid-year number...
Iowa farmers urged to keep tar spot from ruining bumper crop
Iowa has received plenty of rain recently, and the temperatures have finally cooled off as well. On top of that, we’re looking at one of the biggest crops in recent history. Southwest Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Nate Meyer said he’s not sure that he’s ever seen such a big...
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More Ag News
Continuing to find new uses for American soybeans
The United Soybean Board is driving demand for U.S. soybeans in many ways, with some being more obvious choices than others. One of those underrated focuses is in non-food products like tires and asphalt. United Soybean Board Director Robb Ewoldt- who is also an Iowa...
Farmers facing a perfect storm of economic challenges
Several economic headwinds are combining to create a difficult financial environment for some farmers. Farmers, particularly those raising grain crops, are struggling economically due to a number of key challenges. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the...
USDA in Mexico looking for answers on movement of NWS infected cow
USDA staff in Mexico are investigating how a cow infected with New World Screwworm was transported from southern Mexico to a location only 70 miles from the US border. That is Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Lauren Stump, just days after...
Rollins announces suite of actions to support American farmers
On Thursday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins spoke on the current state of the farm economy in the United States and addressed the ways President Trump is supporting American agriculture. U.S. farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four...
Naig urges vigilance as fall bird flu risk returns
As fall settles in across the Midwest, the return of migratory birds is once again raising concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or H5N1. Neighboring states have already confirmed new cases of the virus, a reminder that the threat remains present...
