Top Stories
Build-out continues on state-of-the-art animal disease lab
The Plum Island Animal Disease Center is being replaced by a brand-new facility in Kansas. The federal government continues relocating the animal disease laboratory from Plum Island, New York, to the new National Bio and Agro Defense Facility, or NBAF, in Manhattan, Kansas. Steve Witte, Biologics Development Module Director at NBAF, says that all research activities have been gradually transferred from Plum Island, New York, to NBAF in Manhattan, Kansas. Witte says that Plum Island was limited...
South American Weather and Crop Update (8-20-25)
It’s been dry for so long in South America that it’s almost time already for the next planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said harvest in Brazil is getting close to...
Oil group challenges Trump plan to cut biofuel import credits
A top U.S. oil trade group is opposing a government proposal to cut incentives for biofuel imports. The group joined multiple organizations in pushing back against the administration’s resolve to keep the policy in the months ahead. The criticism will force the Trump...
Wehrbein: Market highs bring relief and uncertainty
Last week, we visited with NCBA President Buck Wehrbein about his outlook for the future of agriculture. Today, we continue that discussion, focusing on some of the issues cattle producers are closely watching — from strong but complicated markets to animal health...
Keeping pigs cool during hot summer months
During the hot Iowa summer months, it is highly important for swine producers to protect their pigs from heat stress in order to maintain their health and productivity. Mark Oberreuter, ag engineer at Automated Production, said pigs are just as susceptible to heat...
Secure Pork Supply Plan can help Iowa pig farmers
The Secure Pork Supply Plan, or SPS, helps producers proactively plan for enhanced biosecurity, animal traceability, and disease monitoring for both foreign animal disease outbreaks endemic diseases. Meredith Peterson, director of swine health for the National Pork...
Northwest Iowa crops standing strong against wind damage and disease pressure
At this point of the growing season in Iowa, the crops look outstanding and early reports from the field are calling for bin busting yields. However, there are still concerns about the threats to crops that can rob yield on the way to the finish line. Northwest Iowa...
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More Ag News
Helena highlights ag innovation on screen and in classrooms with new documentary series
Helena Agri-Enterprises announced today the documentary series Innovation Never Stops at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Thousands of teachers and students received an advance look at the nine-part video series debuting next week,...
Iowa Farm Bureau member testifies in front of Senate Judiciary Committee
As rising input costs continue to burden rural America, lawmakers are finally taking notice. An Iowa Farm Bureau member was able to share his perspective at a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the high costs of inputs. Noah Coppess, who farms near Stanwood,...
China’s return offers hope but little market movement
There is finally some good news for U.S. soybean growers as China has stepped back into the market. The purchase is not a large one, but it marks the first notable move in months and offers a small sign of progress in a strained trade relationship. For many farmers,...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-28-25)
While we wait to hear more official news about President Trump’s Argentine beef import plan, farmers in South America are rolling along with planting season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather patterns in Brazil and Argentina....
Increasing opportunities for U.S. pork in South Korea
South Korea ranks as the fifth-largest market for U.S. pork year-to-date. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, said strong consumer demand in South Korea is expected to keep growing, which could move the country...
