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Early legislative debates touch core issues for Iowa farmers
Just a few weeks into the Iowa legislative session, agriculture is already firmly on the agenda. While lawmakers are still early in the process, several issues important to farmers and rural communities are already drawing attention at the Capitol. Earlier this month, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig discussed the goals of the Iowa Farm Act ahead of the session. Now, with lawmakers already at work, that conversation is expanding beyond that bill to include property taxes, private property rights,...
Applications open for 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own farmland. Leopold Conservation Awards, presented by the Sand County Foundation and...
Ground pork gaining traction as a great option for daily meals
As the new year gets underway, there’s growing excitement around adding more protein to the plate. Momentum is building with the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” consumer brand campaign. José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing with the National Pork...
Employment data in rural America
USDA’s "Rural America at a Glance" report gives insight into employment trends in rural areas of the United States. USDA research economist Tracey Farrigan says from 2023-2024 employment in rural areas grew at a rate of about .6%. She says this was a continuation of a...
Rural Energy Council is a “disgrace”
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, was very unhappy after it was announced that a legislative fix for year-round E15 was dropped from the January government funding bill. It was further incensed that Congress would instead form a “rural...
Iowa ag efforts meet setbacks as policy debates continue
Iowa agriculture continues to face pressure from growing production and slower demand growth, a dynamic that has weighed on commodity prices and raised broader questions about market access for farmers. Those issues were discussed earlier this week during a...
Potential ag impacts from significant winter system
A winter storm is set to move across the country this week and could have adverse effects for agriculture. The storm is unique in that it is tracking farther south than would be expected at this time of the year says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Southern states are...
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Cattle on Feed Report shows continuing tight supplies
USDA published the first Cattle on Feed Report of the year on Friday January 23rd with few surprises included. USDA livestock economist Michael McConnell says that tightening cattle and beef supplies were demonstrated in the numbers. McConnell says placements in...
U.S. soy exports continued growing in marketing year 2024-2025
The United States exported 68.7 million metric tons of U.S. soy, which included whole soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil, during the marketing year 2024-2025. That represents a 12.8 percent increase year-over-year and a 2.95 percent gain over the five-year...
Iowa farmers unlikely to see diesel relief from Venezuelan oil
Recent headlines surrounding Venezuela and its oil supply have raised questions across rural America, especially after the United States intervened in the country, removed a leader many viewed as a dictator, and announced it would temporarily control Venezuela’s oil...
Applications open for 2026 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their own farmland. Leopold Conservation Awards, presented by the Sand County Foundation and...
Ground pork gaining traction as a great option for daily meals
As the new year gets underway, there’s growing excitement around adding more protein to the plate. Momentum is building with the “Taste What Pork Can Do®” consumer brand campaign. José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing with the National Pork...
