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Screwworm far from Iowa, but worth watching
New World Screwworm remains hundreds of miles from Iowa, with confirmed cases confined to parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. While there is no indication the pest is moving into Iowa anytime soon, state officials say it's important for livestock producers to understand the risks and remain aware of the situation. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the New World Screwworm fly is not a new insect to the United States. It was successfully eradicated from the country decades ago, and...
Making the proper fertilizer decisions this fall
A frequent topic of discussion among farmers is whether or not to cut back on fertilizer usage, especially in the face of increasingly tight margins. However, hasty decision making could cause farmers to face higher fertilizer prices in the spring. Instead of relying...
USDA to test milk supply where H5N1 found in dairy cattle
USDA will test the milk supply beginning with states where dairy cattle tested positive in the spring for the H5N1 bird flu virus. Bird flu is an increasing concern for USDA, amid H5N1 infections in not just poultry, but also dairy cattle. Most recently the virus was...
Eastern Region FFA VP used contests to develop confidence
There are four new regional vice presidents on this year’s National FFA Leadership team. Caroline Groth of Kentucky is the new East Region Vice President, and she said that, although she did not grow up on a farm, family is a big reason for her FFA participation....
Pork herd contractions slowing in most regions
A new Q4 2024 pork report from Rabobank says improved profitability is slowing herd contractions in most regions. However, producers are taking a cautious approach to expansion. Disease pressure in parts of Europe, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are slowing...
Pork industry continues to improve animal welfare
Animals are a large investment and risk for producers. It can be a high reward if the markets and demand hold. Like crops, producers do all they can to protect their investment. You needn’t look any further than what has happened with the Pure Prairie Poultry mess to...
Low-crop-price relief still an active topic on Capitol Hill
Relief for low crop prices in a lame-duck session is still an active topic on Capitol Hill as prospects for a new farm bill this year dwindle with the close of the 118th Congress. American Farm Bureau’s Joe Gilson has been meeting with farm lawmakers and staffers,...
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Ag export values to drop in 2025
The value of U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2025 is expected to drop to the lowest level in five years. USDA says shipments this year are projected to be valued at $170.5 billion, up from the $170 billion in the November 2024 outlook. That would still be the...
USDA Secretary Rollins discusses farm economy and disaster aid
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was one of the featured speakers at the annual Ag Outlook Forum last week and she addressed the difficulties of the farm economy. Rollins, whose plane back to DC was grounded, addressed the 101st Ag Outlook Forum virtually and said that...
Naig confident about future of conservation farming support
After some uncertainty, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized the long-delayed cost-share payments, offering temporary relief to farmers who rely on these funds. While this decision provides some reassurance, concerns remain about the future of these...
Rural Americans face higher risk of cardiovascular disease
Rural Americans are disproportionately impacted by many health conditions, as found by studies compiled by the National Grange. One of the most serious conditions is cardiovascular disease. Chris Hamp, President of the National Grange, said their work revealed the...
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024
U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, said that consumer education programs- made possible through support from...
