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USDA launches modernized crop acreage reporting pilot
USDA is unveiling a new pilot program for spring-planted crops to modernize and update crop acreage reporting. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production Richard Fordyce describes the program as “transformative.” Fordyce says it has taken too long for USDA to modernize crop acreage reporting in the digital age. He says the pilot will operate in county offices in a dozen states for reporting spring-planted acreage by the July 15th deadline. Fordyce adds that the new program will make information...
Agriculture still depends on H-2A labor
Demand continues growing for farm labor through the H-2A program. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said that even though the increase in positions certified was small, it still demonstrates how important the...
Producers shouldn’t see changes to H5N1 programs in Trump 2.0
As we prepare for a new administration later this month, vital programs across the board will likely be reviewed, tweaked, or even dropped once President Trump takes office. However, there are programs that farmers work with that they can’t afford to lose or have...
2024 A year without ag market shocks
Compared to the past four years, 2024 lacked a singular event causing shocks in the farm market and farm prices, according to USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Meyer says that led to a relatively quiet market year in terms of market shocks. While there was not one...
NCBA President looks ahead to new administration
As he prepares to move back into the White House in Washington, D.C., Republican President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his Secretary of Agriculture. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Mark Eisele said he...
Iowa cattle producers are making their voices heard
Winter is a season that is often full of meetings in the ag industry, as it is generally a good time to plan out the next year. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association held its annual convention in Ames last month, where members gathered to discuss and vote on their policy...
List of state crop assistance payments
In addition to a farm bill extension through September 30, the American Relief Act of 2025, recently passed by Congress, contains $9.8 billion in market relief payments for 20 covered crops. This economic assistance is intended to offset part of the economic loss...
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Farmers will use new Xitavo soybean genetics in 2025
Farmers will be able to use new genetics in their Xitavo soybean seeds this year from BASF. Prior to this growing season, only four companies comprised 98% of the soybean breeding industry. Bill Backhaus, BASF soybean agronomist, said the new genetics are exclusive to...
Spring showers supplying beneficial rainfall this week
It has already been an active weather week in Iowa with rain showers and storms across the state to begin the seven-day stretch. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the active weather pattern is good news for pasture and rangeland and spring planted crops. Showers...
USGC: Value of ag exports passes $28 billion
The U.S. Grains Council updated its Value of Grains Exports study with the latest available information about the financial benefits of ag exports to communities around the country. “The value of export markets for the U.S. agricultural industry cannot be understated...
The continuous fight for clarity on WOTUS
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is asking the Environmental Protection Agency for changes to the Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS). David Schilling, AFBF public policy counsel, said the group wants the rule brought in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme...
Double-check who has access to your farm’s data
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve rapidly, data has become a cornerstone for refining strategies and improving outcomes year after year. From crop planning to equipment optimization, insights derived from data are shaping the future of farming. However,...
