Top Stories
Strong hog prices mean producers can improve their operations
The swine industry is much stronger in 2026 than it has been in recent years, and that means producers are able to invest back into their farms and create more long-term benefits. Val Weis, commercial lending officer with Farm Credit Services of America, said farmers are enjoying higher price points. Weis said there are a couple things that producers can do with their swine herds to protect them from excessive disease and increase their return on investment. The strong swine economy can...
Senator Ernst talks about new USDA HPAI measures
The USDA has pledged to support poultry producers affected by the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. This funding will help enhance biosecurity measures, provide financial assistance to farmers who have had to cull infected flocks, and support research into potential...
ISU Seed Science Center leading the way nationally and internationally
The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is a national and international leader in seed research, education, technology transfer, and international seed programs. The center assists with teaching, research, and extension programs on seed in the College of...
Delayed tariffs set to go into effect next week
Time is running out on the 30-day delay on the implementation of President Trump’s tariffs. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada are set to go into effect next week, and Canada has already announced plans for retaliation. Betty Resnick, an economist with the American Farm...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-26-25)
After an extended period of dry weather, there’s now plenty of rain in South America. In fact, it has rained so much that they are now worried about having too much rain. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and...
NPPC President Lori Stevermer testifies before Senate and discusses Prop 12
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn., brought the industry’s point of view to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee today through her “Perspectives from the Field” hearing...
Slowing equipment purchases highlight pressures on the rural economy
The downturn in commodity prices doesn’t just impact farmers—it sends shockwaves through the entire agricultural economy, affecting everyone from equipment dealers to rural retailers. When farmers tighten their budgets, they spend less on machinery, supplies, and even...
Video
More Ag News
NPPC criticizes activist tone in MAHA
The reaction to the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report has been mixed, largely depending on which side of the debate you're on. For the ag industry, though, it raises fresh concerns, especially regarding how Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F....
Swine producers feeling cautiously optimistic for 2025
Following a historic downturn in the swine industry in 2024, producers are feeling more optimistic about what 2025 will bring. So far, the first half of the year has been good to producers across Iowa. Chris Ford, vice president of swine agribusiness with Farm Credit...
Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign is built for the modern consumer
Taste What Pork Can Do is the new industry wide campaign from the National Pork Board that primarily uses digital media to connect with younger consumers. The campaign has been active for about a month, and the Iowa Ag Radio Network got an update on the campaign from...
Addressing the increasing age of farmers and ranchers
Data shows that the average age of American farmers and ranchers is getting higher. This is a major concern in farm country because it means that newer generations aren’t returning to the farm. American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall testified on this...
Researchers develop a new avian influenza test
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza. The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian...
