Top Stories
Takeaways from disease pressure during the growing season
2025 was a year of disease pressure that caused headaches for farmers throughout the growing season. Southern rust was a major yield robber and invaded corn growing areas that normally do not have to deal with the disease. Lynn Justesen is a technical services lead with UPL and he discusses the northward spread of southern rust in 2025. He expands on the way in which we think about fungicide and how it should be applied. Justesen says that new glufosinate technology from UPL is on the way and...
Demand remains strong despite President Trump’s tariffs
Economists continue to study the impact that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are having on international trade. But one ag economist says they have not put a dent in consumers' buying patterns. Dr. Darren Hudson, Director of the International Center for Agricultural...
The magic of Christmas comes from the moments
Christmas has a way of pulling us backward and forward at the same time. One moment we’re standing in the soft glow of a tree covered in ornaments we’ve carried with us for decades, and the next we’re watching our kids create memories they will one day share with...
U.S. Export Sales Report (12-25-25)
The USDA is continuing to get us caught up to the latest export sales figures as a result of the government shutdown earlier this year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the numbers as of December 11th still look great for corn. While the soybean sales have...
Cattle industry reflects on policy wins from 2025
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is wrapping up another busy year in the cattle industry. While there were plenty of struggles to overcome in the past twelve months, there are many victories to celebrate as well. ICA Director of Government Affairs Kelli Wicks said...
Now is the time to finally get E15 year-round
E15 is a part of President Donald Trump’s America First energy plan, and it’s time for Congress to pass legislation to allow for its year-round sale. It’s a common-sense solution that lowers costs and the pump and strengthens America’s energy independence. Growth...
Innovations advancing real Christmas tree popularity
Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity over the years but innovations in the real Christmas tree industry in the last decade have provided a surge in popularity for the real deal. Christmas tree grower John Tillman of Washington state says recent...
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More Ag News
Health care costs strain families in the countryside
Health care has become one of the most unpredictable and financially draining parts of rural life. Premiums continue to climb, choices remain limited, and many families in agriculture are being forced to make decisions that simply do not feel sustainable. Missouri...
PFI names 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award recipient
A Linn County farmer was recently recognized for their contribution to promoting sustainable agriculture in Iowa. Laura Krause, owner of Abbe Hills Farm in Mount Vernon, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical...
AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference is “Rooted in Resilience”
The 2026 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference is coming up quickly. “Rooted in Resilience” is the theme for the 2026 YF&R Conference, set for March 13–16 in Portland, Oregon. Ryan MacKay, this year’s YF&R Chair, talked about...
Callahan is the new chief agricultural negotiator
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative welcomed Julie Callahan as its new Chief Agricultural Negotiator. The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council applauded the news, saying, “She’s a seasoned professional with years of experience in sensitive trade negotiations...
USDA efforts to ensure pigs don’t fly this holiday season
USDA is working hard to ensure that pigs don’t fly this holiday season, by encouraging international travelers not to bring pork products back with them to the U.S. Fernando Lugo of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service explains. USDA is working to...
