Top Stories
Western drought intensifies despite Midwest rainfall
Recent rainfall across Iowa and much of the eastern Midwest has helped improve soil moisture conditions heading into the growing season, but USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says many areas farther west continue battling intensifying drought conditions. Speaking during a discussion in Washington, D.C., Rippey said drought still covers nearly two-thirds of the United States, with some of the worst conditions stretching across the Plains, the South, and parts of the western U.S. Rippey, who...
Trump’s tariffs are hitting small farms hard
It’s been a volatile first six months for President Trump’s second term in office, and few of his policies have been more unpredictable than his tariffs on other countries. On top of that, few industries see more of a direct impact from these tariffs than agriculture....
South American Weather and Crop Update (6-3-25)
While there is some rain happening in South America, much of it is still pretty dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. McBride said harvest on the safrinha crop is in the very early stages in...
How does reconciliation bill affect the farm bill process?
On Tuesday during his weekly ag conference call with farm broadcasters and reporters United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) discussed the future of the farm bill process. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig and other Democrats have warned that...
Strengthening Ag infrastructure, one link at time
Commodity organizations do far more than promote crops and expand global markets—they’re deeply involved in helping farmers succeed on multiple fronts. From building trade partnerships to developing new uses for what we grow, they help create opportunity and...
Iowa student among Helena scholarship winners in 2025
Helena Agri-Enterprises is awarding Gavin Sloss of Guthrie Center with the Homegrown® Scholarship worth $1,000 to pursue a higher education. Sloss is a graduate of ACGC High School and is entering Iowa State University to study agricultural studies. Helena’s Homegrown...
Record ethanol production slows ahead of summer driving demand
The U.S. has churned out record levels of ethanol since late 2024, largely due to a rise in exports and steady domestic demand. But Reuters said output has dropped from record levels during the last two weeks, which coincides with the buildup of the summer driving...
Video
More Ag News
Connecting consumers with dairy producers at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a major opportunity to connect consumers with the farmers who raise their food. One of the most in-depth experiences is in the dairy industry, as fairgoers can witness the milking process, milk a cow themselves, and watch youth connect with the...
Iowa raised “Judah” wins the 2025 ISF Big Ram Competition
Abby Willson of Shell Rock Iowa and her 7-year old Columbia ram “Judah” are the winners of the 2025 Iowa State Fair Big Ram Competition. Judah weighed in at 505 ½ pounds to win a close contest inside the sheep barn on the first day of the 2025 fair. Abby Willson is a...
USMEF comments on U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement
Japan’s lead tariff negotiator was in Washington, D.C. this past week to finalize the details of the U.S.-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement that was recently announced by the White House. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom was in...
Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raises $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
The 43rd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to make an impact, raising $569,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City,...
From hard times to harvest, Iowa farms endure
Farming has never been an easy profession, with challenges that stretch far beyond the farm gate. While agriculture faces its pressures from weather, markets, and regulations, farmers have also endured the ripple effects of global events such as wars, famines, and...
