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The many benefits of prairie strips
It may sound counterintuitive, but setting aside just 10 percent of a field for wildlife habitat can benefit both the environment and that field’s productivity in the long run. Prairie strips allow farmers to keep their soil in place, filter water runoff, and add some beneficial habitat. Tim Youngquist, vice president of the Practical Farmers of Iowa Board of Directors and agricultural specialist at Iowa State University’s Agronomy Department, said prairie strips are an adaptable and...
New National FFA President brings a passion for policy
The National FFA Organization elected its new leadership team for the next year during the recent national convention. Delegates elected Thaddeus Bergscheider of Franklin, Illinois, as the new President. Bergscheider (pictured left in the above photo) said he has deep...
NCBA responds to preliminary dietary guidelines recommendations
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is pushing back against the U.S. panel that makes recommendations to USDA and HHS on dietary guidelines. NCBA says that Americans should not be encouraged to eat less beef and instead turn to vegetables for a protein source....
U.S. cattle on feed down slightly
Despite the cattle inventory plummeting to the lowest level in 73 years, the number of cattle on feed remains surprisingly strong. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.6 million on...
Secretary Naig talking with international visitors at Borlaug Dialogue event
With the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues happening this week in Des Moines, we are seeing many international representatives in town—people who have a large say in trade relations with Iowa in particular and the U.S. in general. It is a great time for us to promote...
Prioritizing nutrition means prioritizing pork
Mindful Choicemakers are one of the seven segments the National Pork Board identified in its segmentation survey. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition for the National Pork Board, said the segment prioritizes healthy eating. Of course, pork is a nutritious...
Vilsack makes urgent call for last-minute farm bill
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says time is nearly up and it must be decided if there will or won’t be a new farm bill this year. He told members of the American Farmland Trust that action is needed. Vilsack says as a shortened lame-duck session of Congress quickly...
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More Ag News
U.S. Export Sales Report (1-24-25)
While both the corn and soybean numbers were within the range of estimates in this week’s export sales report, they were still higher than the 5-year average. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest report from the USDA. McBride said...
Registration open for AFBF FUSION Conference
The best and the brightest Farm Bureau members from across the country will soon take part in the FUSION Conference March 7-10. Amy Jo Estes, a member of the AFBF Promotion & Education committee, said the conference will bring together AFBF’s three hallmark...
Rollins wins support of Senate Ag Committee
Brooke Rollins, nominated by President Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee for her confirmation hearing. During the session, Rollins faced questions regarding her qualifications and vision for the...
Iowa Beef welcomes new director of nutrition & health
Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) is excited to welcome Erin Good of Waukee as our new Director of Nutrition & Health. In this role, Erin will lead IBIC’s efforts in beef nutrition programs, collaborating with health organizations, healthcare...
Helping Iowa soybean growers stay informed about always changing markets
Domestic and international markets are always changing, and it is important for Iowa soybean growers to stay up to speed on the shifting landscape. To provide insight into global and domestic market trends and their impact on a farmer’s return on investment for 2025...
