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Corn farmers looking out for tar spot and southern rust in 2026
Iowa farmers are always on the lookout for disease issues, but there are two diseases from 2025 that have farmers the most alert: tar spot and southern rust. Last year, these two diseases popped up in unexpected areas around the country, causing some of the highest damaging disease pressure on record. Unfortunately, many farmers were caught off guard by how quickly conditions favored infection and spread for tar spot and southern rust. Kim Tutor, technical marketing manager for corn and wheat...
Increased biofuel demand could boost farm economy
At a time when the farm economy is facing a downward turn, farmers and ranchers are looking for expanded market opportunities. Faith Parum, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said increased biofuel production could be one avenue to increase farm...
The push for a skinny farm bill before the end of the year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was asked on Friday if a skinny farm bill can be passed before the end of the year. Grassley says that Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) is working towards that goal. Grassley expands on the landscape of the Senate and potential...
From the show ring to the Ronald McDonald House
What began in the show ring at the Iowa State Fairgrounds came full circle this fall as youth exhibitors from the 43rd Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show reunited to deliver the true impact of their summer’s work. Their efforts extended beyond dollars raised to...
Trade trip aims to deepen ties with Vietnam and Indonesia
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was wheels up early this morning as he headed out on a state trade mission to Southeast Asia. The delegation will spend the next several days in Vietnam and Indonesia, two fast-growing markets that continue to show strong interest...
U.S. Export Sales Estimates (11-13-25)
With the end of the government shutdown, this will be the last time for the foreseeable future that we will only have export estimates to look at. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the corn sales are still expected to be strong. Over in the soybeans,...
Rare bipartisan agreement on USDA in bill to reopen government
In a rare show of bipartisanship Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the USDA spending bill, which was a part of the bill that reopened the government. The USDA spending bill was one of just three full-year spending bills passed. Here is top Ag...
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U.S. Export Sales Report (12-25-25)
The USDA is continuing to get us caught up to the latest export sales figures as a result of the government shutdown earlier this year. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride said the numbers as of December 11th still look great for corn. While the soybean sales have...
Cattle industry reflects on policy wins from 2025
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is wrapping up another busy year in the cattle industry. While there were plenty of struggles to overcome in the past twelve months, there are many victories to celebrate as well. ICA Director of Government Affairs Kelli Wicks said...
Now is the time to finally get E15 year-round
E15 is a part of President Donald Trump’s America First energy plan, and it’s time for Congress to pass legislation to allow for its year-round sale. It’s a common-sense solution that lowers costs and the pump and strengthens America’s energy independence. Growth...
Innovations advancing real Christmas tree popularity
Artificial Christmas trees have risen in popularity over the years but innovations in the real Christmas tree industry in the last decade have provided a surge in popularity for the real deal. Christmas tree grower John Tillman of Washington state says recent...
Naig says farmers use crop protection tools responsibly
As Iowa agriculture looks back on 2025 and ahead to 2026, another major topic that shaped conversation this year was the Make America Healthy Again report, often referred to as MAHA. While the report addressed many issues farmers care about, just like consumers do, it...
