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NCBA says Prop 12 language critical for cattle producers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says language dealing with California’s Proposition 12 law has become one of the most important livestock issues tied to the Farm Bill debate in Washington. During the recent NAFB Washington Watch event, NCBA’s Sigrid Johannes said cattle producers are paying close attention because they believe the issue reaches far beyond the pork industry. Johannes said NCBA has been heavily focused on protecting language included in the House Agriculture...
A new way to buy seed, tailored to your operation
Just because something has been done the same way for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best way to perform that task. Sometimes an overhaul is needed and a new way of thinking or looking at a problem can deliver improved results. Christy Schrader is a...
Social security benefits to increase this year
Social Security benefits, which are critical for elderly rural residents, are going to increase by 3.2% this year. That averages out to about $59 more per month. However, AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said it’s a significantly lower increase than last...
USDA investing in biofuels
The USDA is awarding grants worth $19 million to American businesses to increase the availability of biofuels in 22 states and give Americans cleaner and more affordable options at gas station pumps. Blending ethanol into gasoline has helped reduce fuel costs by...
Corteva says don’t skimp on weed control in 2024
As we come out of 2023 and the varied weather we saw across the entire cornbelt, especially the drought we had in the west; we need to be prepared to protect our crops in 2024. Unless a miracle happens and the drought breaks quickly, we can expect our crops to start...
Merck helping producers mitigate bovine respiratory disease
One of the top diseases that cattle producers need to look out for is bovine respiratory disease (BRD). On top of the health risks BRD poses to the cattle, it also adds stress and limits their gains. Tim Parks, cattle technical services manager with Merck Animal...
Promotions showcase U.S. pork loin to consumers in Mexico
With one month of data still to be reported, U.S. pork exports to Mexico have already set an annual record for 2023. January-November exports to Mexico totaled more than 995,000 metric tons, up 13% year-over-year, while value was 15% higher at $2.12 billion. While...
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Smithfield foods closing its Altoona Iowa facility
Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate the production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield says it will provide transition assistance to the 314 employees at the...
July weather forecast for the Midwest and Corn Belt
With July a critical month for crop growth in Iowa, growers have their eyes fixed on the latest weather forecasts in hopes of timely rains for their crops. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a cooler trend is in store for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt to begin...
Cover Crop Business Accelerator from PFI and ISA celebrates 5 years
Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association offer their Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program to support cover crop adoption in the Midwest. The program is now in its fifth year, and it helps new and emerging cover crop businesses with the seed...
Class III milk futures likely to see continued choppiness
The Class III milk market has experienced significant volatility recently, with prices fluctuating and market participants seeking clear direction. Kathleen Wolfley, an agriculture broker with Ever.Ag, provided insights into the current dynamics and future outlook for...
Independence Day means so much more than a day off
Today, as most of us enjoy a day off work, we should take the time to reflect on what the 4th of July means. 248 years ago, men from across a fledgling nation sat in a small room in Philadelphia and found a way to put aside their differences and come to an mutually...
