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USDA reminds farmers of important deadlines
USDA is reminding farmers and ranchers that deadlines are approaching for several programs designed to help offset higher input costs, recover from disasters, and strengthen financial protection. The Farm Service Agency says applications for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program are due August 7, while the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline is August 12. Eligible landowners also have until August 31 to review potential base acre increases for the Agriculture Risk...
GDM announces agreement to acquire AgReliant Genetics
GDM, a global plant genetics company committed to empowering farmers and advancing global agriculture, today announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in AgReliant Genetics, a leading North American provider of corn and soybean seeds. The strategic...
Iowa corn disease pressure builds early
Tar Spot has been detected early in Iowa cornfields, raising concerns for farmers as they prepare to implement their crop protection plans. The fungal disease, which can spread rapidly under the right conditions, is showing up weeks ahead of typical timelines in some...
“Big Beautiful Bill” would exacerbate food insecurity in Iowa
While legislative battles rage on in Washington D.C., food banks across the country are struggling to get enough food to feed those who are in need. Not only are USDA donations halted, but the “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens to cut SNAP benefits if it is passed, which...
Latest hog and pig report shows bearish market conditions for Iowa producers
The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs Report indicates bearish market conditions. Total inventory of animals is up compared to the previous report. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the latest report contained some big numbers. On the...
Des Moines Water Works feeling the strain from elevated nitrate levels
On June 12th Central Iowa Water Works issued a residential and commercial lawn watering ban citing strain on water treatment facilities because of elevated nitrate concentration in raw source waters. The press release from CIWW says “Central Iowa Water Works needs to...
ISU Extension and Outreach launches Garden Academy in September
The Iowa Master Gardener Program, along with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will launch Garden Academy in September 2025, providing high-quality gardening education in a refined format for both aspiring Iowa Master Gardeners and home gardening...
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More Ag News
Keeping up with evolving crop diseases and pests
Crop diseases and pests tend to adapt and evolve quickly, so it’s important that the available seed hybrids are able to change along with them. Dustin Bowling, LG Seeds brand product manager, said they brought a healthy number of new varieties to market this year....
Golden Harvest expands access to GHX digital agronomy tools
The GHX platform was introduced in fall 2022 and offers digital agronomy tools to growers with custom seed recommendations, field specific insights for scouting, weather, and yield tracking, and financial tools. Andy Lee of Golden Harvest tells the Iowa Ag Radio...
ELRP applications for flood and wildfire now open
Applications are now open for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for Flood and Wildfire, which is meant to help farmers and ranchers cover part of extra feed costs associated with these types of natural disasters. American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch said...
RFA cautiously optimistic about EPA’s renewable volume reallocation proposal
The Renewable Fuels Association today said it is encouraged by the Environmental Protection Agency’s new proposal to ensure that renewable fuel volumes lost to small refinery exemptions in 2023-2025 will be reallocated to future RFS standards. EPA is co-proposing two...
The most valuable commodity? Getting home safe
Next week is Farm Safety Week, and it’s a good reminder for all of us in agriculture to think carefully about how we approach safety during harvest. But the truth is, one week of reminders won’t cut it. Safety has to stick with us through the whole season, because the...
