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Agriculture helps tell America’s story
As Americans celebrate Independence Day and the nation's 250th anniversary, it's an opportunity to reflect on the people, industries, and values that have helped shape the country over the past two and a half centuries. For Iowa, agriculture has long been one of the foundations of that story, providing the food, fuel, and fiber that have supported the nation's growth while strengthening rural communities from one generation to the next. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, who has served on...
45Z Tax credits could compete with 2017 tax cuts for funding
45Z clean fuel tax credits, which are key to expanding renewable fuel use in aviation fuel, may have to compete for dollars with President-elect Trump’s efforts to preserve his 2017 tax cuts. Will there be a so-far un-finalized 45Z tax credit for sustainable aviation...
East and gulf coast port strike seems more likely
Shippers want to know if there will be a strike because there’s less than a month until the International Longshoremen Association’s contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance is set to expire. Supply Chain Dive says a major development in the prolonged negotiations...
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-3-25)
In the first report for 2025, this week’s export sales were disappointing compared to expectations. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest U.S. Export Sales Report. McBride said the exports usually see a seasonal decline at the beginning...
Agriculture still depends on H-2A labor
Demand continues growing for farm labor through the H-2A program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said that even though the increase in positions certified was small, it still demonstrates how important the...
Producers shouldn’t see changes to H5N1 programs in Trump 2.0
As we prepare for a new administration later this month, vital programs across the board will likely be reviewed, tweaked, or even dropped once President Trump takes office. However, there are programs that farmers work with that they can’t afford to lose or have...
2024 A year without ag market shocks
Compared to the past four years, 2024 lacked a singular event causing shocks in the farm market and farm prices, according to USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Meyer says that led to a relatively quiet market year in terms of market shocks. While there was not one...
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More Ag News
Farmers will use new Xitavo soybean genetics in 2025
Farmers will be able to use new genetics in their Xitavo soybean seeds this year from BASF. Prior to this growing season, only four companies comprised 98% of the soybean breeding industry. Bill Backhaus, BASF soybean agronomist, said the new genetics are exclusive to...
Spring showers supplying beneficial rainfall this week
It has already been an active weather week in Iowa with rain showers and storms across the state to begin the seven-day stretch. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the active weather pattern is good news for pasture and rangeland and spring planted crops. Showers...
USGC: Value of ag exports passes $28 billion
The U.S. Grains Council updated its Value of Grains Exports study with the latest available information about the financial benefits of ag exports to communities around the country. “The value of export markets for the U.S. agricultural industry cannot be understated...
The continuous fight for clarity on WOTUS
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is asking the Environmental Protection Agency for changes to the Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS). David Schilling, AFBF public policy counsel, said the group wants the rule brought in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme...
Double-check who has access to your farm’s data
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve rapidly, data has become a cornerstone for refining strategies and improving outcomes year after year. From crop planning to equipment optimization, insights derived from data are shaping the future of farming. However,...
