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Chinese buying of U.S. farm goods remains weak
China's purchases of U.S. agricultural products outside soybeans are on track for their lowest level in seven years, despite a trade agreement calling for billions of dollars in annual imports. A Reuters analysis of Chinese customs data shows Beijing purchased just 7.2 billion dollars worth of other U.S. agricultural goods between January and September. That includes products such as meat and corn, with imports at their lowest for that period since 2019. The White House announced in May that...
Rollins visit brings $10 million for Iowa conservation
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins brought a significant investment to Iowa during her visit to Cedar Rapids earlier this week, announcing $10 million in federal funding to expand the state's Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Program. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike...
Foreign-owned farmland acres increasing
In 2024, foreign entities controlled an increasing number of agricultural acres, and that share continues to increase. But despite those growing numbers, overall foreign-owned farmland remains a small percentage of total acreage. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist...
South American Weather and Crop Update (10-27-26)
The weather is continuing to cooperate with planting season in South America, which is giving those crops a great start to the growing season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. That weather has...
Second bridge payment program for farmers remains on the table
A second round of farmer bridge assistance payments remains a viable prospect for Iowa’s farmers according to United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The payments are designed to offset the losses incurred by farmers following trade disruptions, retaliatory...
USDA announces $1.3 billion in fertilizer manufacturing projects
The USDA is investing in eight fertilizer manufacturing projects aimed at increasing domestic production and improving competition for farmers. Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selections through USDA’s FIELDS program....
Electronic ID improves traceability for Mexican cattle imports
With cattle imports from Mexico underway again, new identification and documentation procedures are improving the ability of animal health officials to track livestock entering the United States. Electronic identification is playing a larger role in that process,...
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Sac County bird flu case renews biosecurity concerns
With much of Iowa agriculture focused on finishing harvest, poultry producers are being reminded that another seasonal threat demands their attention. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, remains a concern as wild birds migrate through the state. The Iowa...
Trade policy affecting farmer voting decisions nationwide
Midterm elections are less than a week away, and the farm community has been a hot topic among many of the candidates running for office. There are many ag issues to consider, but one of the most impactful issues from the federal government has been the Trump...
Gut health key for the youngest in the herd
Dairy calves are an investment in the long-term success of an operation. That’s why the dairy industry is so invested in researching genetics and nutrition. Olivia Genther-Schroeder, a dairy feed research scientist with Purina Animal Nutrition, says gut health is an...
Stay prepared for emergencies when pumping manure
Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs with the National Pork Board, emphasized that every farm should have an emergency action plan in place before an emergency occurs, with all employees properly trained. Pit foam is a thick layer of methane gas that can...
HPAI detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac...
