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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...
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...
Morton Buildings helping farmers design new buildings
A lot of planning and decisions go into the construction of a new farm shop or storage building. Lisa Bocklage, marketing director at Morton Buildings, said the company is making it easier for farmers to start the planning process with its 3D Studio. Bocklage said one...
Farmers for Free Trade voice concerns about another trade war
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced that USDA will be disbursing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers via the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. The payments will provide a lift for producers dealing with high...
IDALS receives notice of bankruptcy for Benson Hill Holdings, Inc.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been notified that Benson Hill Holdings, Inc., of St. Louis, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy effective March 20, 2025. Benson Hill Holdings, Inc. holds a grain dealer license in Iowa. Anyone with unpaid...
GHX Durastak™ ready to battle Corn Root Worm
Corn rootworm, often called the "billion-dollar pest," is one of the most destructive threats to Iowa's cornfields. These insects, particularly the larvae, feed on corn roots, causing significant yield losses and increasing susceptibility to drought and lodging. With...
Protecting crops against deadly soybean diseases
White mold and sudden death syndrome are two diseases that can wipe out your soybean crops very quickly, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent those from infecting your fields. Jared Cottonie, marketing manager with Heads Up Plant Protectants, said...
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More Ag News
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...
Adjuvant technology can assist Iowa’s growers throughout the season
Adjuvants are discussed a lot in the spring during planting season and the immediate timeframe following emergence, but adjuvant technology can be a helpful tool for growers throughout the season. Mark Christianson is a product manager with Helena and says that simply...
South American Weather and Crop Update (7-1-25)
Not much has changed for the weather in South America, and the upcoming forecast is still looking to be dry. The dryness should be good for harvest progress, but at some point the weather will get too dry and start to cause some problems. Allendale commodity broker...
Iowa beef producers and consumers will benefit from reconciliation bill
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is encouraged by the Senate’s passing of the “One Big Beautfiul Bill” and is now urging the House to quickly pass the revised version so President Trump can sign it into law. Notably, this version does not include the...
Iowa reacts to Senate passage of reconciliation bill
Ernst Celebrates Big Beautiful Win for Iowans WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the following statement celebrating the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on what Iowans voted for in...
