Top Stories
Claw health key to improving sow longevity
Claw health may not be the first thing producers think about when evaluating sow performance, but researchers say it can have a significant impact on longevity, productivity, and overall herd performance. Many of the factors that ultimately lead to a sow leaving the herd begin developing long before obvious signs appear. Issues such as mobility challenges and claw lesions often develop gradually and may go unnoticed until they become severe enough to result in culling. According to research...
Naig talks about what he wants from Trump 2.0
There aren’t many days left on the Congressional calendar, and a ton of work has been put off for long enough. In what has become more the rule, rather than the exception, we face another government shutdown and another year without updated farm and food legislation....
U.S. ag commodities have always worked together
For many generations, both corn and soybeans have been a high-quality feed for livestock, and the livestock have provided rich manure to fertilize the crops. Gordon Spronk, vice president of the National Pork Board, said the sustainability circle between livestock and...
The correct seed decision considers more than just yield
The first decision of a producer’s growing season is also one of the most important. Selecting the right seed. Not only for your operation but for each segment of your operation, down to the specific field. Robert Cossar is a market activation manager with CROPLAN and...
Secretary Naig opens sign-up for crop insurance discount program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the sign-up for the state’s Crop Insurance Discount Program is now open and available. Farmers who planted cover crops this fall can apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums....
USMEF participates in USDA trade mission to Morocco
USDA this week is leading a delegation of 50 ag companies and organizations on a trade mission to Morocco. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Africa Representative Matt Copeland said Morocco is a key trading partner with a free trade agreement and a growing middle...
HPAI should wane over the winter, but the battle is not over
Snow is now on the ground in Des Moines. With this cold snap, it is safe to say that winter has arrived. It comes with many challenges and frustrations, but there are also positives. One of those positives is the expected seasonal slowdown of H5N1 or High-Pathogenic...
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Food banks facing uncertainty as USDA suspends funding
Recently, the USDA announced that it is suspending $500 million in funding for food banks across America, saying that the previous administration “created unsustainable expectations for the Emergency Food Assistance program” and pointing to spending authority under...
Signup deadline approaching for Dairy Margin Coverage program
There’s a lot of volatility in the ag marketplace right now, and the dairy industry is no different. Fortunately, there are programs that can help to manage some of these risks. The signup deadline for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program is rapidly approaching....
Senator Grassley discusses tax policy
During his weekly ag conference call with broadcasters and reporters, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on Tuesday was asked for an update on Senate work regarding tax policy. Senator Grassley provided an update on the Senate Finance Committee’s latest...
President Signs EO to increase potash, other mineral production
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase domestic production of critical minerals, including potash. The president directed federal agencies to compile lists of pending mineral projects and expedite their review in coordination with the National...
Finding alternatives for Dicamba
Maintaining a stable weed control program is always a challenge, and the upcoming loss of Dicamba for growers in 2025 adds another layer of difficulty. Without this key tool, farmers must explore alternative solutions to manage resistant weeds effectively. Finding...
