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Farmers for Soil Health reopens enrollment for cover crop adoption
Farmers for Soil Health, the farmer-led initiative launched in 2022 to double cover crop acres on U.S. farmland by 2030, has reopened enrollment for 2026 with increased per-acre payments and a simplified one-year contract designed to remove barriers for growers. Enrollment is open May 1 through Aug. 31. "Cover crops aren't just good for the soil - they're good for the bottom line," said Jim Douglas, farmer advisor for Farmers for Soil Health and a soybean and corn grower from Flat Rock,...
USDA says Iowa near major weather boundary
Weather conditions across the United States continue to show a sharp contrast between wet and dry regions, and USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says Iowa is sitting near the center of that dividing line. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey...
It’s still too risky to ship fertilizer globally
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus in global markets as disruptions have created bottlenecks that are driving input costs even higher. Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said it doesn’t matter if the strait is declared open or closed-...
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-6-26)
Dry weather is still causing concerns for some of the crops down in South America. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions for Brazil and Argentina. At the very least, the dry weather is allowing for harvest to continue at a...
Helping Iowa’s growers prepare for whatever the crop season throws at them
When building their plans for the 2026 growing season this spring, farmers have been making tough decisions across the board. Decisions on high priced fertilizer and whether to cut back on inputs are being made as growers encounter lower prices for their commodities...
Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award nomination deadline extended to May 22nd
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has extended the deadline for nominations for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The deadline to nominate a farmer or farm family is now Friday, May 22. The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award...
NASA technology helping farmers from space
Interest in NASA and America’s return to the Moon has surged again following the Artemis missions and the growing focus on deep space exploration. But while much of the public attention is focused on rockets and astronauts, NASA says some of its most important work is...
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More Ag News
Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking...
TQA certification promotes efficient and safe animal handling
Transport Quality Assurance®, or TQA, focuses on practical, real-world skills that help handlers and drivers move pigs humanely and efficiently. Stephanie Wetter with the National Pork Board says the program is updated every three years to ensure continuous...
Grassley sows doubt on farm bill’s Senate prospects
The U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the farm bill on April 30th by a 224–200 vote. With passage through the House, this is the furthest a farm bill has advanced since 2018. However, despite passage in the House, the farm bill still has a long way...
U.S. red meat exports were strong in March
March exports of U.S. pork were among the largest on record, concluding a very strong first quarter, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said increased year-over-year to...
Secretary Naig announces first round of 2026 urban water quality projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the first-round of 2026 urban water quality projects, marking the start of a multi-phase investment that will bring new conservation practices to communities of all sizes across the state. These locally led...
