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USDA launches modernized crop acreage reporting pilot
USDA is unveiling a new pilot program for spring-planted crops to modernize and update crop acreage reporting. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production Richard Fordyce describes the program as “transformative.” Fordyce says it has taken too long for USDA to modernize crop acreage reporting in the digital age. He says the pilot will operate in county offices in a dozen states for reporting spring-planted acreage by the July 15th deadline. Fordyce adds that the new program will make information...
Iowa growers urged to scout for tar spot
Tar spot has already been confirmed in nine Iowa counties, and crop protection specialists say its early appearance should have corn growers thinking about disease management well before symptoms become widespread. While much of Iowa's corn crop has benefited from...
NCGA unveils long-term strategy to expand corn demand
The National Corn Growers Association has released a new strategy outlining how the U.S. corn industry can build demand over the next 250 years, emphasizing the need to develop new domestic and international markets as production continues to increase. The report,...
Making every drop count
Despite drones rapidly gaining popularity among farmers as a viable alternative for spraying, they remain a relatively new technology in farming. Tyler Steinkamp, technical agronomist for Winfield United, oversaw the station showcasing how droplets travel after...
Thinking about fall diesel fuel needs
Crude oil prices are returning to levels that were familiar before the United States war with Iran, but diesel and gasoline prices are still higher. It is expected that diesel and gasoline prices will recede to normal levels, but it may take a few months, probably at...
House Ag Chair proposes sweeping change in ag labor program
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G. T. Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and addressing long-standing farm labor shortages. Politico said “The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026” would...
Strong hog prices mean producers can improve their operations
The swine industry is much stronger in 2026 than it has been in recent years, and that means producers are able to invest back into their farms and create more long-term benefits. Val Weis, commercial lending officer with Farm Credit Services of America, said farmers...
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Agriculture helps tell America’s story
As Americans celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary, it's an opportunity to reflect on the people, industries, and values that have helped shape the country over the past two and a half centuries. For Iowa, agriculture has long been one of the...
250 years of agriculture transformed America
250 years of agriculture has transformed America through innovation and marketing to industrial development and mass production. American agriculture was not just transformed by America, but it helped to transform America says retired Smithsonian Institution curator...
Signs and myths regarding mental health in U.S. agriculture
Mental health in the farming and ranching community has never been more important than it is now, given the challenges facing U.S. agriculture. Linda Emmanuel, a farmer and the agricultural health liaison for the AgriSafe Network, highlighted some misconceptions about...
Promoting swine herd health with feed additives
As always, swine herd health is a top priority for Iowa producers. Producers who are looking for ways to mitigate the effects of endemic diseases and guard against potential foreign animal disease outbreaks may want to consider using feed additives. Rob Patterson,...
Iowa growers urged to scout for tar spot
Tar spot has already been confirmed in nine Iowa counties, and crop protection specialists say its early appearance should have corn growers thinking about disease management well before symptoms become widespread. While much of Iowa's corn crop has benefited from...
