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Iowa Farm Act brings Iowa Ag voices to the Capitol
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is introducing a new concept aimed at bringing focus to agricultural policy in the state. The proposal, known as the Iowa Farm Act, is designed to bundle a wide range of agriculture-related priorities into one comprehensive package. Naig says the idea behind the Iowa Farm Act is similar to a state-level farm bill, pulling together many different sectors of agriculture under one legislative vehicle. Rather than...
Farmers should take more time to market grain
With the current market conditions and overseas trade challenges, many farmers are holding onto their grain for the right time to sell. But holding grain longer brings challenges that can impact its overall quality and value. Even small declines in quality and small...
Takeaways from disease pressure during the growing season
2025 was a year of disease pressure that caused headaches for farmers throughout the growing season. Southern rust was a major yield robber and invaded corn growing areas that normally do not have to deal with the disease. Lynn Justesen is a technical services lead...
USMEF looking to further develop strong demand for U.S. protein
Even though we are waiting for the final export numbers for 2025 to be tallied, we already know that demand for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb remained strong last year despite several strong headwinds, including tariffs, a strong dollar, and tight beef supplies. U.S. Meat...
USDA sets new research priorities for 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water...
Could a coast to coast railroad help or hurt agriculture?
A major shakeup could be coming to the U.S. railroad network, and agriculture is keeping a close eye on it. Union Pacific is working on a deal to acquire Norfolk Southern. If it goes through, it will create the first true coast-to-coast rail system in the country. The...
Highlighting major economic factors to observe in 2026
The U.S. macroeconomy is influencing agriculture input costs, commodity price trends, and supply and demand fundamentals. Matt Erickson, senior analyst at Terrain, said inflation, tariffs, and interest rates will be major factors to keep an eye on in 2026. Erickson...
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More Ag News
Saving money on paper can still lead to losses in the field
The 2025 crop season had a little bit of everything in Iowa. A lot of moisture early and dry conditions in August. Southern rust pressure throughout the state and weed pressure from persistent weeds such as waterhemp. The takeaway? Even if you think you are saving...
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association honors 2025 award winners
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, named the 2025 Producer of the Year and 2025 Hall of Fame award winners at their annual convention in mid-December. It is with great pleasure that they...
Global demand growing for U.S. Soybeans outside China
For the past several months, the United States and China have been uneasy trade partners when it comes to soybeans. There is technically an agreement in place, and China has made some purchases, but it has not exactly been the most reliable relationship. That...
Farmers should take more time to market grain
With the current market conditions and overseas trade challenges, many farmers are holding onto their grain for the right time to sell. But holding grain longer brings challenges that can impact its overall quality and value. Even small declines in quality and small...
Takeaways from disease pressure during the growing season
2025 was a year of disease pressure that caused headaches for farmers throughout the growing season. Southern rust was a major yield robber and invaded corn growing areas that normally do not have to deal with the disease. Lynn Justesen is a technical services lead...
