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A multi-state focus on specialty crops
Applications are now being accepted for grants from USDA's Specialty Crop Multi-State Program, which is designed to address various concerns and efforts within the specialty crop industry. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Deputy Administrator Tricia Kovacs provides more details about the program. Kovacs explains the concerns in the industry that will be focused on, from plant pest and disease research to marketing and promotion. Kovacs expands on the scope of the program. That was USDA...
Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan
Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...
Fareway and Murphy Family Foundation team up for 6th annual food donation
This past Tuesday, the Murphy Family Foundation teamed up with Fareway for the sixth year in a row of donating Easter meal kits to the Food Bank of Iowa. Food insecurity is still more present than ever across the state, and these meal kits will provide a sense of...
Feeding the Economy report shows agriculture’s impact
Each year, the Feeding the Economy Report measures the downstream, off-the-farm economic impact of U.S. agriculture. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the report tracks three layers of impact. Munch said when you combine those...
Hog inventories up in March
The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from USDA shows an increase in inventories. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the total number of hogs in the U.S. is up compared to this time a year ago. McConnell says hog inventories remain stable, adding that...
Secretary Naig issues statement on the Trump administration’s RFS volumes
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized strong renewable volume obligations (RVO) within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2026 and 2027: “Biofuels lower costs at the...
Ernst: 45Z must reflect Iowa farm practices
As federal agencies continue working through the rulemaking process for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the final guidance must reflect the work farmers are already doing on the ground. She says she and Senator Chuck Grassley have...
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John Deere updates repair tools under new EPA guidance
As planting season approaches, John Deere says new Environmental Protection Agency guidance is giving farmers more flexibility to keep equipment running during some of the most critical times of the year. The company says two recent EPA updates allow expanded...
Farmers have a positive impact on urban health
The crops grown in rural America are having a positive impact on the largest urban areas of the United States. Heather Buechter, director of communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America, said the fuels made from crops like soybeans are significantly improving the...
South American Weather and Crop Update (4-7-26)
There’s plenty of rain in the forecasts for Brazil and Argentina. Even though that rain can get in the way of planting and harvest progress, the crops that are pollinating will enjoy the moisture. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest...
Examining the efforts to combat New World Screwworm
Beef supplies remain extremely low in the United States and beef prices at the grocery store and meat counter are sky high. One of the contributing factors to high prices for beef is the closed Mexico-United States border, which has stopped the importation of Mexican...
Secretary Naig invites students to enter the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, made, and raised food, beverages...
