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Stay food safe as grilling season kicks off
The Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the summer grilling season. USDA’s Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers said with the warmer weather, it’s important to protect against food safety risks. Carothers said the two-hour rule about leaving perishable food outside and not in a refrigerator still applies in avoiding foodborne illness. If you’re cooking outdoors without access to a water faucet, she recommends soap, bottled water, and paper towels to clean the grill. Carothers also...
Food and agriculture generate 20 percent of all U.S. economic activity
Every year, the Feeding the Economy report provides a comprehensive look at the full economic footprint of U.S. food and agriculture. Among the report’s biggest takeaways is that food and agriculture support $10.4 trillion in total U.S. economic output, representing...
New “Product of the USA” label will provide consumers with clarity
During the National Agriculture Day event on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced a campaign regarding USDA’s new “Product of the USA” labeling standard that took effect on January 1. Rollins said the new voluntary label signifies meat...
Naig: Trade relationships must stay strong
Iowa farmers rely on strong export markets, and two of the most important remain Canada and Mexico. But a planned trade mission to Mexico has been postponed. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says safety concerns tied to cartel activity and travel disruptions...
South American Weather and Crop Update (3-25-26)
The concerns over dry conditions in South America can be put to rest for the time being, as they have been getting plenty of rain as of late. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the forecasts for both Brazil and Argentina. The rain in Brazil has...
Senate Farm Bill could still contain year-round E15
The Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it is lifting the summertime restrictions on E15 sales again for 2026. As we experience rising gas prices, year-round E15 sales will provide economic relief for consumers and strengthen the ag industry. However,...
Previewing USDA’s Prospective Plantings Report
The 2026 USDA Prospective Plantings Report is scheduled for release on Tuesday March 31st. The report surveys farmer planting intentions for major crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and more. This report gives us the first real snapshot of what planted acreage...
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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...
Nutrient efficiency key in tight margin year
As growers continue making crop input decisions for the 2026 season, fertilizer return on investment remains one of the biggest priorities, especially on rented acres. Keith Byerly with Mosaic says growers want confidence that every dollar spent on crop nutrition...
