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Methods to combat heat stress in cattle
With most of the country experiencing on and off instances of extreme heat in recent weeks, producers are working hard to prepare for a potentially long and hot summer for their cattle. Producers need to be preparing for ways to mitigate heat stress in their animals with shade, sprinklers, and bedding says Alfredo DiConstanzo of University of Nebraska Extension. DiConstanzo says that management decisions can make a big difference in lowering heat stress. He says that although there are some...
Poultry markets strong but face headwinds
Improved economic conditions in many regions, together with ongoing high prices for other proteins, make poultry an attractive option for worldwide consumers. Rabobank says global consumption growth is predicted to reach 2.5 to three percent this year. This marks the...
Rollins pushes biofuel support, energy independence at Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner
The fight over biofuels in Washington continues, with policymakers debating renewable fuel standards and support for ethanol and biodiesel. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the issue Monday night at the Ag Leaders Dinner in Ankeny, Iowa, emphasizing...
Overuse of Bt corn is harmful to overall effectiveness
Corn rootworm is the number one pest that corn growers have to manage every single year. For years, one of the top rootworm management tools has been Bt corn. However, due to widespread usage, the effectiveness of Bt corn has decreased over time. Something needs to be...
Brooke Rollins discusses potential trade disruption payments for farmers
During her visit to the state of Iowa on Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed the possibility of payments to farmers impacted by trade disruptions and tariffs. On Tuesday, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) confirmed that Rollins addressed the...
Grains would see cost increases with proposed USTR fees
The proposed actions by the US Trade Representative on foreign-built and foreign-flagged ships entering US ports have raised concerns among farmers. Fees up to $1.5 million on ships arriving at US ports, if the ships are Chinese, built, operated or flagged would hit...
Secretary Naig Presents 2025 Ag Leader Awards
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig this week recognized three organizations and one business that have made exceptional contributions to the continued success of Iowa agriculture. The honorees received awards during the 13th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held on...
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Hogs also at risk in screwworm battle
The USDA has announced plans to reopen the southern border to cattle and bison imports in a phased approach, signaling progress in the effort to control the New World Screwworm threat. This move comes as positive news for the livestock industry, particularly cattle...
Water hemp is one of the top weeds impacting Iowa crops
So far, most of Iowa’s crops are looking healthy, which is especially important as we enter the critical timeframe for pollination. Weed control is incredibly important in making sure that crops are healthy, and one of the top problem weeds is water hemp. Travis...
Nursery stage nutrition helps set the stage for maximum potential
Healthy and strong nursery pigs are essential to ensuring that each animal reaches its maximum potential. If a piglet does not receive the essential minerals and nutrients, it can limit their potential in the long run. Jeremiah Nemechek is a tech services nutritionist...
Iowa farmers can cultivate their farm’s brand
In tough economic times, farmers are looking for alternative income streams and ways to increase their profit margins. One way is through direct-to-consumer sales, whether through farmers' markets, roadside stands, or online. In Iowa, the Choose Iowa program has...
U.S. Senate delivers wins for pork producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language. National Pork Producers Council President...
