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Screwworm far from Iowa, but worth watching
New World Screwworm remains hundreds of miles from Iowa, with confirmed cases confined to parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. While there is no indication the pest is moving into Iowa anytime soon, state officials say it's important for livestock producers to understand the risks and remain aware of the situation. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the New World Screwworm fly is not a new insect to the United States. It was successfully eradicated from the country decades ago, and...
Make financial planning part of your new year resolutions
Many of us are still working towards our new year resolutions, and a lot of those resolutions are centered around the financial side of our lives. For farmers, an estate plan can offer massive benefits down the road. Matt Roberts, chief planning officer with Syverson...
Soy industry welcomes longshoreman deal
U.S. longshoremen reached a contract agreement with ports and shippers earlier this month, averting a potential strike that could have damaged the American economy and hurt agriculture. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, said he's...
Aaron Juergens named president of Iowa Pork Producers Association
Aaron Juergens, a hog producer from Carroll Iowa, has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Juergens was named president this week at the IPPA annual meeting at Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines. Juergens manages over 100,000...
Farm costs in 2025
A recent poll asked farmers where they plan to cut costs. Equipment purchases topped the list, but farmers also plan to scale back on fertilizer rates, use more generic products and reduce tillage or field passes. The theme that consumed the crops side of agriculture...
Rollins receives endorsement before today’s Senate appearance
A former Trump administration advisor, Brooke Rollins is awaiting Senate confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. She will be before the Senate today. While her nomination has drawn praise from some conservative circles, many in the agricultural industry...
Keeping a flexible and diverse approach to soil health
When it comes to improving soil health, a diversified approach is often the best approach. Mark Peterson, a row crop farmer out of Stanton and member of the Practical Farmers of Iowa, said it was a journey to figure out the best way to manage some of his land that...
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Nunn introduces Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act
Over the past several years, the biofuels industry has faced a lack of consistent support, whether from past administrations or previous leadership at the EPA. This has left a critical renewable energy sector waiting for the backing it needs to drive innovation and...
Don’t get too comfortable with the current cattle prices
Both the live and feeder cattle markets are experiencing unprecedented price levels. Those levels won’t last forever, though, so it’s important to maintain a level of caution when navigating the marketplace. Ross Baldwin, hedging strategist at AgMarket.Net, said he...
Examining the operating expense ratio
The operating expense ratio is a tool that farmers can utilize to determine the financial efficiency of their grain farms. Gerald Mashange, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, explains how the operating expense ratio is calculated. Mashange says...
Vaccinating birds against HPAI poses trade and logistical challenges
The war on avian influenza may soon include vaccines for birds. However, there are challenges to a nationwide vaccination strategy. USDA is investing significant resources to fight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, including $100 million into research and development...
Bessent signals optimism as U.S./China trade talks stall in public
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with CNBC, expressed optimism that “substantial progress” in U.S./China trade negotiations could be achieved in the coming weeks. However, the overall status of talks remains uncertain, with public statements from both...
