Top Stories
AFBF concerned about proposed UP-NS rail merger
The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads would create the first coast-to-coast railroad across 43 states. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the big concern is the loss of competitive pressure across the rail system. Munch said rail shippers are incredibly important to agricultural commerce. Munch said rail mergers are reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board and not the Department of Justice. The American Farm Bureau...
Second MAHA report listens to ag industry
The Make America Healthy Commission released its “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy,” with more than 120 initiatives addressing childhood health. Brian Glenn, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Government Affairs, was encouraged that the Commission...
National crop ratings dip, Iowa fares better than most
Iowa’s corn and soybean crops have had their fair share of bumps this season, from disease pressure to stretches of unfavorable weather. Even so, fields across much of the state are holding up better than expected, and in many cases better than average. That...
CLAAS FARMPOINT expands footprint in Iowa
CLASS FARMPOINT is increasing its commitment to Iowa agriculture with a new service center in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the company’s second permanent location in the state. The expansion brings equipment, support and services even closer to area farmers, ensuring farmers’...
Secretary Naig extends sign-up for cover crop cost-share through September 18
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop cost-share through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding...
Getting a comprehensive look at soil nutrients with tissue and soil tests
Harvest is approaching fast- in fact, some parts of the state have rolled out combines already. Once this year’s crop is out of the field, it’ll be an ideal time to do some soil testing. Eileen Bernard, director of farm and retail growth at Farmers Edge, said farmers...
July was strong for pork exports, weak for beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S....
Video
More Ag News
Navigating tough decisions on fertilizer this fall
The discussion on fertilizer this fall has put a lot of farmers between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand prices for commodities are low but on the other hand fertilizer prices are elevated. That leaves the grower often wondering if they should cut back on...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (10-16-25)
As the government shutdown persists, we still don’t have any official export numbers to look at. We can, however, look again at the weekly estimates. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn numbers are still projected to be well above the average. On the...
Falling oil prices should indicate cheaper fuel
For the past several weeks and even several months, oil prices have held fairly steady, remaining in the mid-$60 per barrel range. But, thanks to OPEC’s increased production, that trend is no more. Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, said banks...
Secretary Naig announces eight additional abandoned mine land reclamation projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is beginning construction on eight additional abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation projects in southeast Iowa. The eight projects, which represent...
From the mine below to the fields beyond
In our previous story on Nutrien’s Allan Facility, we heard how Environmental Engineer Curtis Ferguson and his team work to protect the land, air, and water surrounding one of Saskatchewan’s largest potash operations. Today, we delve beyond the surface to explore how...
