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Grassley cites Brazil tariff threat as probably the most important
Brazil is one of the United States’ biggest competitors in agricultural trade. The nation of Brazil has surpassed the United States as the world’s largest soybean exporter and is also one of the top exporters of beef, often competing with U.S. producers. Therefore, United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says that President Trump’s threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on Brazil, might be the most important of his proposed tariffs. It is not just soybeans, poultry, and beef that Senator...
Secretary Naig announces new water quality project in central Iowa’s Beaver Creek Watershed
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is partnering with the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and other public and private partners to launch a new Water Quality...
Iowa pork producers urged to share priorities
Maintaining the health of the U.S. hog herd has always required constant vigilance against animal disease threats. In recent years, much of the attention has centered on global concerns, such as African Swine Fever, with biosecurity efforts ramping up to prevent it...
The battle against New World Screwworm continues
Recently, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S.-Mexico border would reopen for cattle shipments in phases after ports of entry were closed to limit the spread of New World Screwworm. This will help level out the balance between biosecurity and...
Drought coverage for crops and commodities mostly in decline
The month of June provided favorable weather conditions for crop growth for much of the Midwest including Iowa. Consistent, timely rainfall for most of Iowa with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures has set Iowa up well for the heart of the growing season. USDA...
American Butter Institute urges FDA to take action against a new “dairy-free butter” product
A new product from Country Crock labeled as “dairy-free butter” has sparked growing concern within the dairy industry. Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), butter is defined as a product made “exclusively from milk or cream, or both.” This means that...
Alongside President Trump in Iowa, Secretary Rollins calls for celebration of America 250
President Donald J. Trump held a massive celebration on the eve of Independence Day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds where he launched the year-long Great American State Fair in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The Great American State Fair will travel across the...
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More Ag News
Iowa soil testing facility provides a behind-the-scenes look
Farmers Edge Labs in Grimes has been testing Iowa soil samples since 2018, offering a wide variety of testing methods for producers across the major growing regions of the United States. A recent lab event offered an in-depth look at the full soil testing process,...
USDA improving national security by protecting agriculture
A new USDA plan is aimed to help improve national security by protecting agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new USDA initiative that focuses on agriculture as a key component of protecting national security. Sam Kieffer, vice president of...
Mid July weather forecast favorable for crop development in Iowa
As the calendar approaches the midway point of July the weather forecast appears to be lining up to provide near ideal conditions for a critical segment of the growing season. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the 8-to-14 day outlook for July 15th-21st shows a...
Trump administration announces expedited congressionally mandated disaster assistance for farmers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP)....
Iowa & national voices speak at EPA hearing
Yesterday’s EPA hearing on the proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) drew testimony from a wide range of industry leaders, including Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and Grant Kimberley of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. Their comments highlighted the crucial role that...
