Top Stories
Fertilizer prices climbing higher once again
Fertilizer prices appear to be on the rise again. While they have not hit the record high they reached in 2022, Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said some products, like phosphates, are climbing higher. Parum said there are two main factors driving up the cost of fertilizer for farmers and ranchers. Parum said the best way to prepare for increased input costs is to keep an eye on the market and be ready to pivot with changing conditions. For more information,...
Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards presented to 40 farm families at the 2025 Iowa State Fair
Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon honored 40 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. This prestigious award celebrates...
Iowa farmers voice concerns to Ernst & cabinet officials
The Iowa State Fair is a place of celebration, tradition, and community pride, but this year’s festivities are unfolding against a backdrop of economic strain. For many farmers walking the fairgrounds, the joy of reconnecting with friends and showcasing agriculture is...
Bacon Buddies- a heartwarming Iowa State Fair tradition
In what is now a heartwarming annual tradition, this year’s Bacon Buddies show saw great success again on August 9th. This year’s judges were Jared and Sherri Baker, who took over judging duties from Matt and Heidi Rohrig. Although instead of “judging,” the judges...
Corn and soybeans had opposite reactions to August WASDE
Most analysts were predicting a modest WASDE report today, but several surprises caused opposite reactions in the corn and soybean markets. The biggest surprise was in the corn, where the USDA increased its corn yield estimate to 188.8 bushels per acre. Allendale...
Industry competitors working together to improve Iowa’s water quality
Agriculture's Clean Water Alliance (ACWA) marked its 25th anniversary of commitment to improving water quality in Iowa and productivity for Iowa’s farmers in 2024. Eric Scherder of Corteva agriscience says that Corteva has been a member of the ACWA since 2013....
IDALS to host Iowa State Fair ceremonies
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will host three award ceremonies this week celebrating and commemorating Iowa agriculture as part of the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Each of the three ceremonies is open to the media, and the public is invited to...
Video
More Ag News
Keeping pigs cool during hot summer months
During the hot Iowa summer months, it is highly important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark Oberreuter, ag engineer at Automated Production, said pigs are just as susceptible to heat...
Secure Pork Supply Plan can help Iowa pig farmers
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, helps producers proactively plan for enhanced biosecurity, animal traceability, and disease monitoring for both foreign animal disease outbreaks endemic diseases. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health for the National Pork...
Northwest Iowa crops standing strong against wind damage and disease pressure
At this point of the growing season in Iowa, the crops look outstanding and early reports from the field are calling for bin busting yields. However, there are still concerns about the threats to crops that can rob yield on the way to the finish line. Northwest Iowa...
USDA issues August livestock report
Based on the mid-year cattle report, a further tightening is expected of calves available for placement in late 2025 and early 2026. The report also suggests steady but gradual changes to inventories of beef cows and replacement heifers. That means the 2025 and 2026...
Iowa corn yields strong, but profits under strain
While Iowa Corn Day at the State Fair gave growers a chance to celebrate ethanol’s impact and future potential, Iowa Corn Growers Association President Stu Swanson also reminded fairgoers that not everything in agriculture is cause for celebration. Beyond the push for...
