Top Stories
Farmers continue embracing conservation practices
Iowa farmers continue adopting conservation practices at a record pace, and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says new state investments will help keep that momentum going. During a recent interview, Naig said conservation remains one of the department's top priorities, with strong participation in programs that improve soil health and water quality. Naig says interest in conservation programs remains high, particularly for cover crops. He says producers interested in participating should...
Congress plans to scrap USDA climate hubs, following Trump guidance
The Ames, Iowa-based Midwest Climate Hub, which along with the other 10 regional climate hubs under the USDA, is slated to be cut from the federal agriculture budget. The U.S. House appropriations bill that sets the 2026 fiscal year budgets for agriculture, rural...
Retailers plans for feature protein deals for grilling season
As we are now in the heart of the summer grilling season, consumers are busy studying their weekly store fliers and ads for some featured deals in the meat section. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell explains an advertising method used by groceries and retailers...
Pushing to update conservation processes in Iowa
With the current restrictions on water usage in the Des Moines metro, water conservation practices are at the forefront of discussion. While we have many new practices that offer plenty of benefits for farmers and the nearby waterways, it can be difficult to make...
Iowa specialty crop growers can take advantage of new USDA funds
America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture. As a result, the USDA recently started doling out funds earmarked for specialty crop growers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American...
Grills and gatherings spotlight Iowa agriculture
Summer in Iowa means more than just sunshine and warm weather — it’s a season packed with hometown festivals, bustling county fairs, and backyard barbecues. From Main Street parades to pork chops on the grill, these events celebrate the best of Iowa communities and...
Big Beautiful Bill receives final approval from U.S. House
President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is done and headed the Independence Day signing that he was looking for. After a lengthy process, farmers will now get updated reference prices; improved crop insurance, livestock, and trade programs; and key tax breaks. House...
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More Ag News
Lower cattle feedlot placements in August
The USDA published the latest Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the numbers indicate continued contraction of cattle feedlot inventory. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell details the numbers as of September 1st. McConnell expands on the trends in the latest...
ICGA celebrates harvest weight proclamation, effective immediately
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds granted Iowa Corn’s request and signed a proclamation today granting a temporary weight limit exemption for trucks operating on Iowa roads to support the haul of this year’s crop during harvest. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting...
Naig shares crop expectations and safety reminders
This week is Farm Safety Week, a time when farmers and the ag industry take a step back to focus on staying safe during one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year. With harvest beginning in earnest very soon across Iowa, the reminders are timely because...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-19-25)
Corn and soybean exports continue to go down two opposite paths, as corn sales are performing admirably while soybeans lag behind. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest corn numbers from the USDA. While this week’s numbers weren’t awful...
Thune says farm disaster aid threatened by shutdown
There is another impasse in Washington D.C. as Senate leaders blame each other for a possible October 1st government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says that Democratic leaders have opposed a partisan shutdown in the past. However, Senate Minority Leader...
