Top Stories
ISU Extension and Outreach launches Garden Academy in September
The Iowa Master Gardener Program, along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will launch Garden Academy in September 2025, providing high-quality gardening education in a refined format for both aspiring Iowa Master Gardeners and home gardening enthusiasts. Garden Academy, previously known as Iowa Master Gardener training, offers a comprehensive approach to consumer horticulture education. Participants can expect: 10 weeks of asynchronous online instruction, featuring video...
Dairy & soybean producer talks about the value of Soy Checkoff
The United Soybean Board, through the soybean checkoff, continues to invest in innovative ways to add value to U.S. soybeans. One area that shows strong potential is incorporating High-Oleic soybeans into livestock feeds, something we've highlighted in the past. Now,...
Warm and dry weather allowed for wide-open planting window
Iowa farmers have been treated to a mostly wide-open window for planting season this year, with warm and dry weather allowing for great working conditions. With most of the crops in the ground, we’re now hoping for some rain- and it looks like those prayers will be...
Trends in first meat export forecast for 2026
USDA has published its initial projections for the 2026 calendar year meat export forecast. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the beef export forecast is down, due to tightening beef supplies. On the other hand, pork and broiler export...
Demand for U.S. pork continues to grow in Mexico
Following a record year of $2.6 billion of pork exports to Mexico in 2024, demand for U.S. pork has continued to expand in Mexico in 2025, growing 11% in the first quarter. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Mexico Director Gerardo Rodriguez, pork...
Produce industry calls for fair farm policy
When Iowans think about trade and ag policy, especially in the context of the Farm Bill, the focus often falls on corn, soybeans, beef, and pork. But there’s a broader picture to consider. Specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, and other unique products—also...
EPA administrator tells Senate he supports year-round E-15
The administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency says the most effective way to allow year-round E-15 sales is through Congressional action. Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, Lee Zeldin told lawmakers, “That is the most...
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More Ag News
South American Weather and Crop Update (5-27-25)
Farmers in Argentina are hoping to see some more dry weather so they can make up some harvest progress and catch up to the average pace. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the forecast looks like it will line up with those hopes. McBride said the farmers in...
Labor costs may keep rising this year
Labor challenges are among some of the most difficult issues facing farmers and ranchers, especially for those who utilize the H-2A program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, explained how the program works....
Grassley discusses the “One Big Beautiful Bill” as it moves to Senate
As the Trump tax bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, the ag world will be watching to see what revisions are made to the farm bill improvements included in the House version of the bill. House Ag Chair GT Thompson last week touted the Trump tax cuts, death...
Farm groups react to MAHA commission report
On the heels of Thursday’s report released by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, industry organizations are calling for science-based agricultural policy. In a statement, the Modern Ag Alliance said the report raises the possibility that the federal government...
NPPC: Line speed rise won’t hurt safety
It takes tremendous effort and coordination to move our agricultural products from the farm gate to the grocery store shelves. Every step of the supply chain relies on effort and efficiency to keep food flowing to consumers. One of the most critical links in that...
