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Naig previews America 250 Harvest Festival
Iowa is putting an agricultural spin on the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Rather than centering its signature event around Independence Day, state leaders have planned an America 250 Harvest Festival this October to recognize Iowa's agricultural heritage and its contributions to the nation. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, who serves as vice chair of the Iowa America 250 Commission, says the harvest theme was a natural fit for the state. Naig says organizers intentionally...
Congress plans to scrap USDA climate hubs, following Trump guidance
The Ames, Iowa-based Midwest Climate Hub, which along with the other 10 regional climate hubs under the USDA, is slated to be cut from the federal agriculture budget. The U.S. House appropriations bill that sets the 2026 fiscal year budgets for agriculture, rural...
Retailers plans for feature protein deals for grilling season
As we are now in the heart of the summer grilling season, consumers are busy studying their weekly store fliers and ads for some featured deals in the meat section. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell explains an advertising method used by groceries and retailers...
Pushing to update conservation processes in Iowa
With the current restrictions on water usage in the Des Moines metro, water conservation practices are at the forefront of discussion. While we have many new practices that offer plenty of benefits for farmers and the nearby waterways, it can be difficult to make...
Iowa specialty crop growers can take advantage of new USDA funds
America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture. As a result, the USDA recently started doling out funds earmarked for specialty crop growers. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American...
Grills and gatherings spotlight Iowa agriculture
Summer in Iowa means more than just sunshine and warm weather — it’s a season packed with hometown festivals, bustling county fairs, and backyard barbecues. From Main Street parades to pork chops on the grill, these events celebrate the best of Iowa communities and...
Big Beautiful Bill receives final approval from U.S. House
President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is done and headed the Independence Day signing that he was looking for. After a lengthy process, farmers will now get updated reference prices; improved crop insurance, livestock, and trade programs; and key tax breaks. House...
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More Ag News
New World Screwworm detected 70 miles from U.S. border
Today, the USDA announced that New World Screwworm was detected in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, approximately 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. In light of this news, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is urging the federal government to expedite...
U.S. beef trade to Indonesia reopens
Earlier this month, the Indonesian Halal Authority (BPJPH) moved to reaccredit the only U.S. halal certifying company in the U.S. approved for Indonesia. The accreditation had been suspended in March, effectively halting U.S. beef exports to Indonesia. U.S. Meat...
Lower cattle feedlot placements in August
The USDA published the latest Cattle on Feed Report on Friday and the numbers indicate continued contraction of cattle feedlot inventory. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell details the numbers as of September 1st. McConnell expands on the trends in the latest...
ICGA celebrates harvest weight proclamation, effective immediately
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds granted Iowa Corn’s request and signed a proclamation today granting a temporary weight limit exemption for trucks operating on Iowa roads to support the haul of this year’s crop during harvest. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting...
Naig shares crop expectations and safety reminders
This week is Farm Safety Week, a time when farmers and the ag industry take a step back to focus on staying safe during one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year. With harvest beginning in earnest very soon across Iowa, the reminders are timely because...
