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Secretary Naig announces 2026 renewable fuels marketing award recipients
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that Karde’s Convenience Store and Pilot Travel Centers are the recipients of the 2026 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. The annual awards recognize fuel retailers for outstanding leadership in expanding access to renewable fuels, educating consumers, and strengthening Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel markets. He made the announcement during the annual Fuel Iowa membership breakfast in Des Moines. “Congratulations to Karde’s Convenience Store...
TN visa program is a key part of the ag labor force
With agricultural labor challenges across the entire sector, some farmers and ranchers are turning to a unique type of visa to alleviate the burden. Samantha Ayoub, an associate economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the TN visa program is meant to...
Champion Seed looking at different ways to cut input costs
Every year, farmers have to consider what they can do to minimize inputs while still maximizing their yields. Brandon Hulme, an agronomist with Champion Seed, said they’ve been looking at biologicals as a solution that will utilize the nutrients in the soil in order...
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...
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Hy-Vee donates $1.5 million to Food Bank of Iowa
Yesterday, Hy-Vee donated over $1.5 million to the Food Bank of Iowa as part of the 100 Million Meals Challenge. This donation was made possible through the customers who round up at Hy-Vee cash registers as well as Hy-Vee’s partnerships with food manufacturers. Over...
AFBF delegates set 2025 policy priorities
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention considered many important topics before setting the highest priority ones for this year. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said delegates discussed a variety of issues. Duvall...
Egg prices remain on the rise for consumers
Sticker shock at the grocery store has been nothing new for consumers in the 2020s. However, one product that has previously been pocketbook friendly has seen continued price increases as reflected in month-over-month, and year-over-year, comparisons. USDA economist...
Vilsack to lead World Food Prize Foundation
The World Food Prize Foundation says former Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will serve as the new CEO of the organization beginning on March 1, 2025. As the CEO, the Foundation says Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the...
Milder winter may shift H5N1 seasonal pattern
The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a...
