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Farmers want to sell their crops, not collect payments
As Iowa farmers look back on 2025 and begin planning for the year ahead, trade remains one of the biggest issues shaping the future of agriculture. It has been a year marked by disruption, uncertainty, and tight margins, leaving many producers searching for stability rather than short-term relief. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says there is no denying the challenges farmers faced in 2025, particularly in terms of trade. Tariffs and shifting policies created uncertainty, but Naig...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-18-24)
Contrary to the ever-changing weather we’ve seen here in Iowa, the weather has remained status quo in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions. Fortunately, that weather hasn’t impacted the safrinha harvest in...
Ethanol on display at Iowa Corn Ethanol 350
Supporting Iowa’s World Class Corn Producers at the Iowa Corn Ethanol 350 this past weekend were our friends at the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Iowa corn farmers are among the most productive in the world and continue to get better, believe it or not, which...
New year farm bill funding boost not a given
Increased funding for the farm bill next year is not guaranteed. There is also no certainty that increased funding can be counted on for political support for a new five-year farm and nutrition bill. A streamlined budget process known as “reconciliation” allows the...
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...
USDA continues to learn about H5N1 vs HPAI
It feels like we have had a broken record going around and around during the spring and fall of the past few years. We have talked at length about High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The main difference between the two is that when the virus jumped the species...
Make sure to heavily consider yield potential before replanting
The plentiful amount of rain we have received so far this crop season has been a blessing for the drought conditions across the state. In fact, Iowa is now entirely drought-free. However, receiving so much rain in a relatively short period of time also has some...
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More Ag News
Practical Farmers of Iowa encouraging farmers to reduce nitrogen applications
Enrollment is now open for the Practical Farmers of Iowa N Rate Risk Protection Program. Both farmers who are experienced and farmers who are new to reducing rates are eligible to lower their financial risk due to reduced nitrogen application. Chelsea Ferrie, PFI’s...
Suspended dockworkers strike more reason for new farm bill
The East and Gulf Coast dockworkers strike has been suspended until January 15th and it is yet another reason producers need a new farm bill. The International Longshoremen’s Association ordered its members back to work after their three-day work stoppage while...
Secretary Naig welcomes applications for Choose Iowa dairy innovation grants
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the availability of Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, and welcomed grant applications for projects that will increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce farm labor costs, and expand the availability of Iowa...
Pork can be a nutritious meal solution for busy parents
Simple Feeders is one of the seven segments of the National Pork Board’s Consumer Connect in-depth research identified as a priority segment for growth potential. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition with the National Pork Board, said convenience is a...
Earth Optics & Pattern Ag merge to offer in-depth field analysis
In a time where we find the inputs of our crops putting a burden on the profits we get from them, we want to make sure we are getting the most out of every dollar we spend. If we are going to spend the money on soil tests and analysis, why not get more than just a...
