Top Stories
Ag groups react to the end of the government shutdown
American agriculture groups reacted positively to the official end of the government shutdown this week. “American cattle producers need their government running at full capacity to provide critical services and market data,” said Ethan Lane, the senior vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The shutdown caused widespread disruptions, and we’re glad it’s over.” The American Farm Bureau also applauded the House for ending the stalemate. “Farmers and...
Rural Mainstreet Index turns negative
The August Rural Mainstreet Index covering a multi-state region shows one-fifth of grain farmers will experience a negative cash flow in 2025. For the seventh time this year, the overall regional economic index sank below growth-neutral, falling to 38.5 in September,...
Iowa farmers face costly lessons from disease year
It was anything but a typical growing season, with shifting weather patterns and disease pressure forcing farmers to make quick, difficult decisions in their fields. For many, the call was not just about agronomy but also economics, as tighter margins made another...
Pork producers can’t forget about the dangers of African Swine Fever
The U.S. pork industry is staying vigilant when it comes to foreign animal diseases. Dr. Meredith Petersen, director of swine health for the National Pork Board, said they’re keeping an eye on multiple diseases, including African Swine Fever. Petersen said African...
EU looking to further delay deforestation regulation
The European Commission has once again begun the process to delay implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said that is good news for the U.S., as the U.S. and several EU countries...
Agribusiness retailers facing uncertainty amid trade war
The trade war between the United States and many of its top trade partners has created tariff uncertainty for agribusiness across the United States. Charles Baron is a co-founder of Farmers Business Network and says the unknowns of the trade war has created hurdles...
USDA issues second assistance payment to producers
The USDA will issue a second Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payment to eligible producers for the 2024 crop year. Of the authorized $10 billion in ECAP assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has already provided over $8 billion in payments to eligible...
Video
More Ag News
Corn farmers are seeing the effects of Southern Rust as they harvest
Harvest is continuing to roll along across the state, and while corn yields may initially appear disappointing, the numbers that are coming in are still good. This is made especially true when you consider the presence of diseases this year as well. Southern Iowa LG...
Farm aid package details scarce as the shutdown delays action
The details of the farm aid package for farmers are scarce as the government shutdown has delayed the announcement of aid to farmers and how the payments will be funded. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked about the trade aid package on Wednesday....
Iowa Beef grant brings real-world nutrition to the classroom
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) Beef Grant Program is fueling the next generation with knowledge and beef! Over 85 schools participated this past year, reaching 13,000 students through hands-on cooking labs and nutrition education. The program provides up to...
98th National FFA Convention heading to Indianapolis this month
One of agriculture’s biggest annual events gets underway at the end of the month in Indianapolis. The 98th FFA National Convention and Expo will take place Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, bringing more than 70,000 ag students in blue corduroy jackets to the Hoosier State....
Financial stress, flexible solutions: Nutrien helps farmers adapt
On Monday, we looked at the pressures weighing on farmers as high interest rates, shifting lending practices, and tighter margins challenged the financial side of agriculture. Those concerns left one clear takeaway: producers will need reliable tools to navigate an...
