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USDA accepts 186,247 acres in Iowa through 2026 Conservation Reserve Program enrollment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 186,247 acres in Iowa into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 2026. Through CRP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers agricultural producers and landowners incentive payments for their conservation efforts while benefiting their agricultural operations and protecting the nation’s natural resources. “The Conservation Reserve Program continues to demonstrate the strength of voluntary, producer-led conservation across the...
Looking ahead at trade and agriculture policies to avoid complications
Farmers could face growing uncertainty as trade policies under the Trump administration reshape U.S. agriculture unpredictably. While some measures may be intended to protect American farmers, they could also trigger retaliatory tariffs and market disruptions that...
Landus and Talus Ag announce commercial green ammonia production
Landus and Talus Ag recently announced that they have successfully commenced commercial green ammonia production with the first and only modular systems in North America. In a time when import tariffs are likely to disrupt fertilizer supply chains, having locally...
Stronger cattle placements and marketings in January
The February USDA Cattle on Feed report shows a reduction in cattle and calves in feedlots says USDA livestock analyst Mike McConnell. Despite lower numbers of inventory year over year, McConnell says that there are signals of increased numbers of cattle in feedlots...
Farm bankruptcies up sharply in 2024
Federal courts report that 216 farm bankruptcies were filed in 2024, up 55% from 2023. All but one region had increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings last year. Bankruptcy filings in territories and states outside the contiguous 48 states – designated “Other” by...
Buyers show heightened interest in U.S. beef at Gulfood Trade Show
Gulfood is one of the largest food trade shows in the world, attracting tens of thousands of prospective buyers to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Reporting from a busy USA Pavilion at Gulfood, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the...
Farmers worry about future of conservation assistance funds
Farmers across the country are on edge as the Trump Administration’s sudden spending freezes cast doubt on crucial cost-share payments they were promised. These funds, secured through contracts, are not just bureaucratic line items, they are the backbone of farm...
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Swine producers feeling cautiously optimistic for 2025
Following a historic downturn in the swine industry in 2024, producers are feeling more optimistic about what 2025 will bring. So far, the first half of the year has been good to producers across Iowa. Chris Ford, vice president of swine agribusiness with Farm Credit...
Taste What Pork Can Do™ campaign is built for the modern consumer
Taste What Pork Can Do is the new industry wide campaign from the National Pork Board that primarily uses digital media to connect with younger consumers. The campaign has been active for about a month, and the Iowa Ag Radio Network got an update on the campaign from...
Addressing the increasing age of farmers and ranchers
Data shows that the average age of American farmers and ranchers is getting higher. This is a major concern in farm country because it means that newer generations aren’t returning to the farm. American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall testified on this...
Researchers develop a new avian influenza test
Purdue University researchers have developed an innovative, paper-based diagnostic test for rapidly detecting avian influenza. The novel test addresses the urgent need for an efficient and cost-effective surveillance tool to combat the global threat posed by avian...
National Corn Growers urge permanent E15 access
Year-round availability of E15 fuel remains a top priority for both the ethanol industry and corn farmers. While we've spoken with ethanol groups in the past about how vital it is for domestic biofuel production, it's just as important to the grain markets that supply...
