Top Stories
Rural veterinarian shortages draw federal attention
Rural America is built on small towns where life often looks a little different from what it does in big cities. We know the trade-offs, and for the most part, we accept them. Having fewer shopping options is a small inconvenience, while limited broadband has long been a bigger concern. But another shortage is emerging in agriculture, and it is already becoming a heavier burden that we cannot afford to ignore. The veterinarian shortage is not new, but it is growing. Fewer students are choosing...
Record ethanol production slows ahead of summer driving demand
The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving...
Vietnamese delegation signs MOUs for grain trade in Des Moines
A trade delegation led by the Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to purchase approximately 7.5 million metric tons of U.S. ag products on Monday. The signings took place at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines between...
Rain has been falling across Iowa in some large bursts
The weather has brought plenty of rain for most parts of the state recently, and it has done so in large bursts. In fact, some parts of central Iowa saw over 4.5 inches of rain in a single day. This is great for the soil moisture profiles, but it was almost too much...
U.S.-China trade a top focus at USMEF Spring Conference
The U.S.-China trade relationship was a major focus of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, which wrapped up Friday, May 23rd, in Fort Worth, Texas. Guest speaker John Newton, the executive head of Terrain, said he expects the current tariff...
Cattle industry prepares for USMCA review
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has once again brought trade policy to the forefront of national discussion. His previous use of tariffs is now facing scrutiny from the U.S. Court of International Trade, reigniting debate over their impact. But...
Iowa is still slightly dry, but rains have been helpful
The beginning of May was quite dry compared to years past, but the last third of the month brought enough rain to make it wetter than average overall. The timing couldn’t have been much better either, as many farmers were able to get their crops in the ground before...
Video
More Ag News
Asian longhorned tick confirmed in Iowa for the first time
Recently, theileriosis- a disease that is predominantly transmitted through the Asian longhorned tick- was detected in a Southeast Iowa cattle herd. This is the first outbreak in Iowa since the invasive tick was first detected in New Jersey during 2017. Grant Dewell,...
Cover Crop Business Accelerator program accepting applications for sixth year
Cover crop acres in Iowa have seen a sharp increase in the past several years. To support cover crop adoption, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) and the Iowa Soybean Association offer the Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program. The program helps both new and...
Strong piglets are the key to raising more profitable pigs
Producers are always striving to raise pigs to reach their full growth potential. One of the most important pieces of that puzzle is ensuring that young pigs get a good start to maximize their potential. Alex Hintz is a technical service representative with the swine...
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members to welcome guests for the Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl
Nearly 70 Choose Iowa members from across Iowa will welcome guests on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, for the first ever Choose Iowa Farm Store Crawl. This fun weekend event offers Iowans and tourists an opportunity to explore diverse agricultural offerings,...
Pork sector not immune to Screwworm danger
The New World Screwworm is once again drawing attention as it creeps closer to the U.S. border. While it hasn’t been found in the United States, recent cases further south have raised red flags across the livestock industry. Because this flesh-eating parasite can...
