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USDA improving national security by protecting agriculture
A new USDA plan is aimed to help improve national security by protecting agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new USDA initiative that focuses on agriculture as a key component of protecting national security. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the plan covers a wide swath of issues. Kieffer said it’s logical that the Secretary of Agriculture has a seat on the Committee, also known as CFIUS. Kieffer added that...
Strong piglets are the key to raising more profitable pigs
Producers are always striving to raise pigs to reach their full growth potential. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is ensuring that young pigs get a good start to maximize their potential. Alex Hintz is a technical service representative with the swine...
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members to welcome guests for the Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members from across Iowa will welcome guests on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, for the first ever Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl. This fun weekend event offers Iowans and tourists an opportunity to explore diverse agricultural offerings,...
Pork sector not immune to Screwworm danger
The New World Screwworm is once again drawing attention as it creeps closer to the U.S. border. While it hasn’t been found in the United States, recent cases further south have raised red flags across the livestock industry. Because this flesh-eating parasite can...
Full extent of effects of tariffs on ag economy is still unknown
The impact of tariffs on consumers is well known. As we pay more to import certain products, consumers are having to compensate for that by paying more at the register. Things are not so clear when it comes to the effects that tariffs have on exports. We know that...
Optimizing feed safety by mitigating risks
Pig health is always front and center at World Pork Expo in Des Moines as ag groups, agribusiness, and producers come together to learn about the latest technologies and management practices for raising healthy animals. The Iowa Ag Radio Network spoke with Mark...
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-18-25)
The forecast in South America has not changed much over the past few weeks. While there is some rain in parts of Brazil and Argentina, much of the two countries will remain dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns....
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Grassley discusses SNAP state cost-share and reconciliation bill
The Senate parliamentarian who ensures that legislative rules and procedure are being followed in the chamber has ruled against a key funding provision in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful tax and spending bill. Elizabeth MacDonough says the SNAP state cost share...
Hoover Building is the new home of IDALS
As of July 1, 2025, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will call the Hoover State Office Building home. After more than four decades in the Henry A. Wallace State Office Building, the Department will depart the building at the end of June. The...
Pork finds wins and worries in MAHA report (Part 2)
In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Johnson of the National Pork Producers Council, we looked at the pork industry's positives and concerns about the recently released MAHA report. While the science behind meat’s role in a healthy diet was reaffirmed,...
Secretary Rollins discusses efforts to boost soy exports amid tariff uncertainty
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says despite the trade uncertainty from President Trump’s on-again-off-again tariffs, USDA is working to increase US farm exports, including soybeans. When the top House Ag Democrat asked at an oversight hearing what USDA was doing to boost...
U.S. headed toward record ag trade deficit
The U.S. agricultural trade deficit is widening in 2025, driven by shifting global trade dynamics and rising import demand. USDA’s Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report provides projections for exports and imports, offering insight into current trade trends. From...
