Top Stories
USDA could regain food aid programs
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman wants two major U.S. foreign food aid programs returned to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Boozman says USDA is better equipped than the State Department to oversee programs built around American agriculture. Boozman hopes to include the change in the next farm bill. However, because the programs currently fall under the State Department, the proposal also requires support from congressional committees outside the Senate Agriculture...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-31-24)
At this time of year, the crops in South America need plenty of rain. However, that’s not what’s happening in Argentina right now. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in South America. McBride said there is some rain in the...
Promoting dairy demand in 2024 and beyond
Midwest Dairy covers a ten-state region in the U.S. and is busy promoting dairy sales to help put more money in the pockets of U.S. dairy producers. Martha Kemper, vice president of dairy experience and business development for Midwest Dairy, said online shopping is...
Farm Bureau hopes for early 2025 Farm Bill
2025 will be a fresh start in the push for a new modernized and updated five-year farm bill. Ag groups and ag state lawmakers will be hopeful that farm bill work gets completed early in the year, but will that come to fruition? Two farm bill extensions were too many....
U.S. and global ag economies uncertain about 2025
The prospect of new tariff disputes when Donald Trump returns to the White House has the global economy in an uncertain position in early 2025. Farm Policy News says ongoing geopolitical tensions and continuing climate challenges will significantly impact agricultural...
Secretary Naig’s Year in Review (part 2)
Yesterday, we started a year in review with Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig, and today we will conclude our look back on the year that was for Agriculture in our state. You can’t start another look into 2024 without talking about the Iowa State Fair. It’s the biggest...
Pork is great for any plate
Consumers choose pork at the meat case for different reasons. Kristen Hicks-Roof, director of human nutrition at the National Pork Board, said taste is the top driver in food choices. Hicks-Roof said the National Pork Board is gaining momentum in connecting with the...
Video
More Ag News
Midwest governors pen letter to EPA Administrator Zeldin
Earlier this month, several Midwest governors- including Govs. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Larry Rhoden (R-SD), Jim Pillen (R-NE), and Mike Kehoe (R-MO)- sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin urging the EPA to “establish a 2026 RVO...
National Pork Board uses pork to sell more pork
The pork industry uses pork to sell more pork by connecting with consumers who already purchase pork products but are not aware of all the types of pork and cuts available. Patrick Fleming, vice president of demand development with the National Pork Board, explains....
Secretary Naig invites horticulture producers to join Choose Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Choose Iowa program is expanding to promote a vibrant array of Iowa grown horticultural products, such as Christmas trees, cut flowers, bedding plants, and ornamental trees and shrubs. Secretary Naig...
Japanese importers get inside look at U.S. beef production
A team of buyers from major Japanese beef importers recently visited U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) headquarters in Denver to learn about U.S. beef production practices. After that visit, the team also got an in-depth view of the full beef supply chain at work in...
Empowering farmers with tools for sustainable growth
Farmers continue to invest time and money into sustainability, whether by adopting new practices or upgrading the methods they’ve relied on for generations. From improving soil health to conserving water and reducing inputs, these efforts reflect a deep commitment to...
