Top Stories
USDA invests $500 million in processors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $500 million to strengthen the nation's beef processing capacity through its Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers, or SPUR, program. The funding is aimed at small and midsize meat processors, which USDA defines as facilities processing 2,000 head of cattle or fewer each day. Officials say the goal is to build a more resilient supply chain while preserving processing capacity for cattle producers across the country. Under Secretary for Farm...
Enhanced corn traits can help battle rootworm pressure
The weather has warmed up significantly as of late, and that means that planting season is right around the corner. The team at DEKALB is excited to see how the proven VT4PRO technology will perform against this year’s pest pressure. Seth Irwin, DEKALB product...
Understanding the importance of rural roadway infrastructure
An often overlooked but vital aspect of rural life is the safety and maintenance of highways, roads and bridges. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing recently testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways...
Lower hog and pig inventory for 2025 first quarter
USDA released the latest quarterly hogs and pigs report for first quarter 2025 on Thursday March 27th. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the inventory of hogs in the United States is lower than at this time last year. He expands on the numbers for the...
2025 Planting Intentions Insights from Farmers Business Network
Ahead of Monday’s USDA report release, download FBN’s exclusive 2025 Planting Intentions Report now so you can start strategizing ASAP. This free report outlines the survey-based acreage mix for key crops across the United States for the 2025 season. Use this data to:...
New Century FS in Tama ready for the 2025 season
Last week, we talked with the folks at AGRILAND FS about their upgraded chemical facilities. In today's Featured Conversation, Andy talks about the Tama, IA facility of New Century FS. They discuss the operation there, and how they are going to be ready to serve your...
U.S. Export Sales Report (3-27-25)
With everything going on in the ag economy right now, the export sales have taken a back seat. The greater focus is more on the Quarterly Grain Stocks and Prospective Plantings reports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said it was a decent week for export...
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More Ag News
Water hemp is one of the top weeds impacting Iowa crops
So far, most of Iowa’s crops are looking healthy, which is especially important as we enter the critical timeframe for pollination. Weed control is incredibly important in making sure that crops are healthy, and one of the top problem weeds is water hemp. Travis...
Nursery stage nutrition helps set the stage for maximum potential
Healthy and strong nursery pigs are essential to ensuring that each animal reaches its maximum potential. If a piglet does not receive the essential minerals and nutrients, it can limit their potential in the long run. Jeremiah Nemechek is a tech services nutritionist...
Iowa farmers can cultivate their farm’s brand
In tough economic times, farmers are looking for alternative income streams and ways to increase their profit margins. One way is through direct-to-consumer sales, whether through farmers' markets, roadside stands, or online. In Iowa, the Choose Iowa program has...
U.S. Senate delivers wins for pork producers in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The Senate passed by a slim margin—with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tiebreak—its version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It includes many provisions important to pork, among them tax and animal health language. National Pork Producers Council President...
Rare bug near Iowa prompts field warnings
Profit margins are already razor-thin for many Midwest farmers this year, prompting increased diligence in scouting and early detection of crop threats. With careful planning and proactive crop protection strategies in place, most producers felt prepared for the...
