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Secretary Naig opens sign-up for annual cover crop cost-share program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowa farmers and landowners who are planning to seed cover crops this fall to enroll in the state's annual Cover Crop Cost-Share Program. This program is open to first-time and returning cover crop users in all 99 counties and offers cost-share assistance on up to 160 acres per participant. “More Iowa farmers are choosing to plant cover crops because they've seen the benefits in their own fields, while also delivering cleaner water for...
Dairy’s quiet comeback: Signs of strength and hope ahead
After enduring years of challenges marked by fluctuating prices and shifting consumer trends, the dairy industry has recently shown signs of renewed strength. Improved demand, stabilizing input costs, and a growing global appetite for dairy products have all...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-8-25)
As tariffs continue to shake up the economy, many eyes are on South America to see if the country’s crops will be able to help meet global demand. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said rain has returned to Brazil after a dry spell. McBride said there is a...
Applications open for 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge
The American Farm Bureau Federation and several partner organizations are seeking competitors for the 2026 Ag Innovation Challenge. Applications are now open for the challenge, which is a national business competition showcasing agricultural-based entrepreneurs and...
Grassley introduces legislation to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy
Last week United States Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced bipartisan legislation to restore Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. The Trade Review Act of 2025 would require...
Secretary Naig invites students to enter 2025 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2025 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, raised and made food, beverages and ag products and it is a marketing...
Tariff tensions put U.S. soybean industry in the crosshairs
The latest round of tariffs announced by the president has introduced a new wave of uncertainty across global markets, with agriculture once again bracing for impact. The ag industry has historically been among the first targets for retaliatory measures, given its...
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Iowa & national voices speak at EPA hearing
Yesterday’s EPA hearing on the proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) drew testimony from a wide range of industry leaders, including Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and Grant Kimberley of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. Their comments highlighted the crucial role that...
Providing an extra boost to Iowa water quality projects
As the central Iowa water restrictions continue, organizations are working hard to do whatever they can to get the nitrate levels in the water back down to a safe level. For years, the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF) has been working with its partners to mitigate...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-8-25)
The weather is still mostly the same in South America, but there is finally some rain forecasted for some of the production areas in Argentina. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather forecasts. While Brazil’s safrinha harvest...
Reconciliation bill contains good news for ethanol and biofuels
The Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law over the weekend and critics argue that it did away with clean energy initiatives. However, Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, disagrees from the viewpoint of ethanol and biofuels. Cooper says...
Secretary Naig announces new water quality project in central Iowa’s Beaver Creek Watershed
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is partnering with the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and other public and private partners to launch a new Water Quality...
