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USDA implementing scientific research priorities
In 2026, the USDA began implementing its strategy, which builds on what has made American growers the most productive in the world: scientific research. Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins believes that protecting the integrity of U.S agriculture against invasive species and pests is one of the most important priorities for scientific research. Hutchins believes that addressing soil health is necessary to regenerate productivity on U.S. farms. For...
USDA updates public on avian flu strategy
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a stakeholder update to provide a progress report on USDA’s five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and lower egg prices. Less than a month after the plan’s rollout, USDA reports significant advancements...
So where CAN we find savings on inputs?
Last week, we talked with Gail Stratman from FMC about the importance of not cutting corners on weed control—because skimping there can cost you more in the long run. But while weed management needs to stay a top priority, there are other areas in the field where...
Ag markets look ahead to end-of-March reports
It was a fairly quiet week in the ag marketplace, and that’s largely because of the fact that the grains are waiting for the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports. As we get closer to the end of the month, many analysts are predicting what we might...
John Deere joins Growth Energy’s membership network
America’s largest biofuel trade association just got a little bigger. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, talks about their newest member. Cory Reed, president of John Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, said that the company, which is best known for...
RFA sees a more level playing field for ethanol
The ethanol industry is feeling confident about the future of ethanol with President Trump and GOP lawmakers’ plans to reduce support for electric vehicles. The President and Congressional Republicans propose ending EV tax credits and Biden Administration tailpipe...
U.S. Grains Council releases export quality report
The U.S. Grains Council released the 2024-2025 Corn Export Quality Report showing the average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors. “It’s difficult to understate transparency’s role in building trust...
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Iowa Ag concerns tied to outdated policies
The clock is ticking on the long-overdue Farm Bill, with just three months left before Congress may be forced to extend it for yet another year. That would push the current bill—already outdated—more than halfway through a second life it was never intended to have....
Extreme heat creating concerns for Iowa’s livestock and crops
The extreme heat in recent days has felt more like late July or August and is causing stress for livestock and crops in Iowa. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the more immediate concern is for livestock. High humidity and overnight temperatures in the upper 70s and...
U.S. Export Sales Report (6-26-25)
Export sales are looking good ahead of the Quarterly Grain Stocks report that will be released next Monday. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales were especially great in the latest data. Soybeans also looked good this week, which is a far cry...
Tar spot has already been observed in East Central Iowa
Pollination is quickly approaching for corn and soybeans, and it’s important to make sure that crops are performing at a high level in order to maximize yields down the road. Diseases can enter and impact a field very quickly, so prevention is key to disease...
Landus, Iowa’s largest farmer-owned cooperative, launches nationwide CEO search
Landus is launching a nationwide search for its next Chief Executive Officer. Since April, the Board of Directors and interim CEO Sam Caton have met with farmer-owners and employees to gather feedback. Their input has been crucial in identifying the qualities needed...
