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New World Screwworm influence in the ag markets
The initial reaction in the ag marketplace to the first detection of New World Screwworm in a calf in south Texas in early June was a bit surprising to many market analysts. Generally, a negative headline can send the markets to the downside in a dramatic way, at least until the situation stabilizes and further information is digested. While the detection of NWS in the United States did send the cattle markets lower initially, there was almost an immediate bounce back for the prices and not a...
Importance of grower surveys in June Acreage Report
In the next few weeks producers will fill out USDA surveys that will provide the data for the June Acreage Report. Lance Honig of the National Agricultural Statistics Service says the surveys will provide a very important snapshot of the acreage for the year. Honig...
Naig: Recent weather helped Iowa farmers catch up
After a slow and uneven start to planting season this spring, Iowa farmers have made up significant ground over the past few weeks. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says favorable planting windows recently allowed farmers to move quickly and bring statewide...
Smithfield Foods awards 12 Impact Grants nationwide
Smithfield Foods has awarded more than $280,000 in Impact Grant funding to 12 nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities where Smithfield employees live and work. These grants build on the more than $24 million Smithfield invested in 2025 to strengthen...
Don’t wait too long to take care of marestail
Marestail was one of the earliest weeds to become glyphosate-tolerant, and that resistance continues to make it tricky for farmers to manage. With rising spring temperatures, marestail is bolting fast, and it becomes significantly harder to control once it tops six...
Try to block out the noise when marketing grain
With the high amount of volatility in the ag marketplace right now, it can be tricky for farmers to market their grain. However, it’s possible to take advantage of some price rallies and protect your bottom line at the same time. Michael Weidner, director of grain...
Latest USDA domestic fertilizer expansion efforts
On Tuesday Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins provided updates on federal efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production in both short-term and long-term capacities. Speaking at USDA headquarters Rollins detailed some of the size and scope of the infrastructure...
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Meat industry professionals invited to gather in central Iowa for Midwest Meat Summit
Demand for locally produced meat is on the rise, which provides a unique market opportunity for livestock producers, butchers, and other meat industry experts. All members of the meat supply chain are invited to attend the Practical Farmers of Iowa’s (PFI) second...
AFBF highlights gaps in Dairy Margin Coverage Program
The Dairy Margin Coverage Program is a farm safety net program that helps U.S. dairy farmers manage risk when the gap between milk prices and feed costs shrinks. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the program has been a big help...
Grassley sees several Senate pathways for year-round E15
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says there are several avenues for year-round E15 to pass in the Senate. Grassley says the freestanding House-passed E15 bill needs to be attached to another piece of legislation to make its way through the Senate. Senator...
Stand establishment offers one of the first real looks at yield potential
The first signs of emergence reveal far more than whether a crop came up. Stand establishment is one of the first meaningful tests of how well a planting plan is translating in the field. Uniform emergence, healthy seedlings and consistent populations can provide an...
Naig urges Senate action on Farm Bill
The House has passed its version of the Farm Bill, but Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the focus now turns to the Senate, where the legislation could face a much more difficult path forward. Naig said House passage was an important step toward giving farmers...
