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USDA finalizes specialty crop assistance program details
The USDA announced it has finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, announced late last year. Danny Munch, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the funds are part of the USDA’s broader Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. The assistance is available to farmers who planted specialty crops in 2025 and reported those acres to the Farm Service Agency. Munch said the USDA is already preparing pre-filled applications for eligible farmers. For more information,...
AFBF continues to push for new farm bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging Congress to continue work on a new farm bill. More than one month ago, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on a bipartisan basis. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for...
NCGA survey shows rising alarm over fertilizer costs
U.S. corn farmers are growing increasingly concerned about fertilizer affordability and availability, with worries extending beyond the current planting season. That’s according to new survey results released by the National Corn Growers Association. Surveys conducted...
Spring volatility gives way to El Niño watch
Spring weather across Iowa and much of the Midwest has been delivering the kind of rapid temperature swings farmers know all too well. Warm afternoons that hint at an early planting push have quickly been followed by colder air, gusty winds, and even lingering shots...
Quiet April WASDE report still contained important information
The April WASDE report lined up with the market expectations and made virtually no changes this month. However, that’s not to say that the report did not contain valuable information moving forward. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the April WASDE included...
Projecting demand for grilling season as beef prices soar
Every year the meat industry can rely on a spike in demand for meat during the summer grilling season. However, with beef prices at extremely high levels in stores, will demand this grilling season be as high as it typically would be during the spring and summer...
GDM streamlines brands after acquisition
GDM is moving ahead with a seed brand realignment that will take effect in 2027, but company leaders say growers should expect no changes for the 2026 planting season. The move follows GDM’s acquisition of AgReliant last September, a deal that brought together major...
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Farm bill talks gain momentum amid pressure from farm groups
Congressional leaders are signaling renewed momentum on a long-delayed farm bill as pressure builds from agricultural groups ahead of the 2026 planting season. Lawmakers from both parties said negotiations have accelerated, though disagreements remain overspending...
Naig optimistic on Iowa Farm Act passage
The Iowa Farm Act continues to move through the State Legislature as lawmakers work to finalize the comprehensive ag policy package before the session comes to a close. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the bill has already cleared the House with strong...
Iowa State University encourages students to pursue all areas of agriculture
Today marked the final day of the 98th Annual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference. The event, which takes place on the campus of Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames, isn’t just an opportunity to connect with fellow FFA members- high school juniors and seniors often also...
Congress proposes changes to Endangered Species Act
New legislation is aimed at providing improvements and updates to the Endangered Species Act. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the organization especially appreciates the updates help to...
Findings from April Cattle on Feed Report
The Cattle on Feed Reports from USDA provide a look at the inventory of cattle in feedlots throughout the United States. The April Cattle on Feed Report shows another year over year decrease according to USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell. McConnell points out...
