Top Stories
GeoKnife offers Iowa growers a new approach to soil sampling
At this week’s Farm Progress Show the Iowa Ag Radio Network stopped by the PTx tent to learn about the new soil sampling tool, GeoKnife, from Radicle Agronomics. Adam Vaccari explains the thought process around the development of GeoKnife and how it can help Iowa’s farmers. Vaccari says that because soil sampling is labor intensive and time consuming, Radicle Agronomics was determined to develop a more efficient and effective method for soil sampling. He says that GeoKnife collects a...
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...
Secretary Naig welcomes the nationwide emergency waiver for 2026 summertime E15 sales
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today after the Trump Administration issued an emergency waiver authorizing nationwide sales of E15 during the summer of 2026. “I appreciate the Trump Administration allowing the nationwide sale of...
Rising fuel prices renew push for E15 access
Rising fuel prices and global tensions are once again putting a spotlight on domestic energy options, including higher ethanol blends like E15. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says situations impacting global oil markets serve as a reminder of why expanding...
Feenstra working to make Iowa the most ag and business-friendly state
Today is National Ag Day, and Iowa farmers are a huge part of the nation’s ag industry. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra announced the Farmers for Feenstra coalition, a group of over 100 Iowa farmers who are committed to joining his efforts to make Iowa the most...
Spring bird migration enhances HPAI threat
The spring migratory season brings with it the renewed threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, is reminding farmers and others to take all necessary precautions. The...
Examining ways to lower fertilizer and fuel costs
The United States war in Iran is contributing to higher input costs for farmers. Fertilizer and fuel costs are rising due to the slowdown of shipping and inability to transport goods safely through Middle East shipping lanes. This is adding to the costs of nitrogen...
Video
More Ag News
Rollins says bird flu vaccine still not ready
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says that a bird flu vaccine is still not ready for a full rollout although efforts to produce an effective vaccine are still underway. Bird flu has not been as prevalent in headlines recently, but Rollins says that USDA is still very...
Improving the return on fresh cow protocols
While advancements in managing clinical milk fever have reduced cases, its invisible counterpart, subclinical hypocalcemia, remains a significant challenge for fresh cows. Dr. Curt Vlietstra, a professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim, said...
U.S. beef regains duty-free access to UK market
When the United Kingdom departed from the European Union in 2020, U.S. beef no longer had duty-free access to the UK. This increased costs for British importers and the entire U.S. beef supply chain, making the UK market more difficult to serve. Now, duty-free...
USDA reorganizes FSIS and establishes Food Safety Center in Iowa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), aiming to modernize operations and better align the agency with today’s agricultural landscape. Central to the plan is the creation of a National...
Pilot program targets nitrogen efficiency
As Iowa farmers prepare to get planters rolling this spring, a new soil testing effort is aiming to help producers better manage fertilizer costs while also improving environmental outcomes. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the pilot program focuses on...
