Author: staff

by Cami Koons Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Wednesday she has settled environmental cases involving a meat processing facility and a farmers cooperative, both of which had polluted Iowa waters.  The cases dealt with a historic spill on the East Nishnabotna River occurring in March 2024 and several years worth of wastewater discharges from Agri Star Meat and Poultry that exceeded permitted amounts. An attorney concerned with environmental and water issues in the state called the settlements a “sweetheart deal.” In the first case, about 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer spilled from a clogged line at NEW Cooperative in Red…

According to the latest Crop Protection Network map, positive cases of tar spot have been reported in 35 Iowa counties so far this growing season. First reported in the Corn Belt in 2015, the disease has been in Iowa since 2016. All 99 Iowa counties have a history with the disease. This season, tar spot has also been confirmed in neighboring Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Farmers and agronomists in Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland have reported positive cases in 2025 as well. Weather Six consecutive weeks of unseasonably wet conditions have…

A new study from the University of Nevada-Reno has revealed that lab-grown whey proteins, while similar in function and taste to those found in natural cow’s milk, show key molecular differences that affect how they interact with the human gut microbiome. Researchers from UNR’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, in partnership with colleagues at California Polytechnic State University, examined whey proteins produced through precision fermentation — a process where genetically engineered yeast synthesizes dairy proteins without the need for cows. Although the proteins were marketed as identical to those in bovine milk, the study found that wasn’t entirely…

The third annual Breaking Boundaries Pig Show held at Ohio State Fair’s O’Neill Swine Barn on July 25 offered participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities a rare, but powerful, opportunity to shine in the center ring. Participants ages 9 to 22 from across Ohio donned neon orange shirts and, under the guidance of experienced youth mentors from the OH‑PIGS program, cared for and showed their pigs before an enthusiastic audience. Mentors supplied the animals and shared hands‑on expertise, helping each youth learn how to handle, guide, and present their pig in front of cheering crowds and guest judges — emceed by Brian Baldridge,…

Take a look at these three farmland transactions that transpired in March and April 2025. 436.66 acres in Osceola County, Iowa Date: April 10, 2025 Price: $18,895 per-acre average Weighted Corn Suitability Rating Index (CSR2): 92.07 A total of 436.66 acres of farmland sold for $18,895 per acre on average, with a total sale price of $8,250,789. The land consisted of 428.66 cropland acres across six tracts, all featuring high-quality, highly productive soils such as Primghar, Everly, and Galva. Tracts 1–4, totaling 317.95 acres, sold for $17,400 per acre, while tracts 5 and 6, comprising 118.71 acres of exceptional soil…

With the upcoming August 1 deadline approaching for new tariffs, the Trump administration has announced a wave of new trade agreements with key countries. These deals are expected to help American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers by opening up international markets and avoiding high tariffs. According to a news release by the administration, the U.S. has reached trade agreements with the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and the European Union. Talks are also ongoing with other countries, like India and South Korea. “This colossal deal will enable U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and manufacturers to increase U.S. exports, expand business opportunities, and…

Hundreds of immigrant workers at a major pork processing plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, are facing abrupt job termination and possible deportation, following the rollback of U.S. immigration protections that once allowed them to live and work legally in the country. Ottumwa Mayor Rick Johnson addressed the city council on July 15, confirming that meatpacking giant JBS has begun meeting with workers originally from Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to inform them that their jobs are being terminated. In those meetings, workers are told they must leave the country immediately, he said. The job losses stem from the expiration or revocation…

As of 9:06 a.m. CT, December corn was up 2¾¢ at $4.13¾ per bushel. November soybeans were down 2¢ at $10.07½ per bushel. September CBOT wheat was unchanged at $5.29¾ per bushel. September KC wheat was up 5¼¢ at $5.23¾ per bushel. September Minneapolis wheat was down less than a penny at $5.77.  “I’m closely watching the July 14 lows for December corn and November soybeans, with front-month contracts continuing to post new lows and struggling to find support,” said Cole Raisbeck, commodities broker at Kluis Commodity Advisors. “New-crop contracts are now approaching these key [lows]: $4.07½ for corn and…

What Happened According to a recent article from World-Grain.com, global agricultural production is expected to increase 14% in the next decade. Figures cited are from the OECD-FAO (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations) Agriculture Outlook for 2025–2034.   The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook is an annual publication jointly produced by the OECD and the FAO. The publication provides an assessment of the prospects for global agricultural commodity markets for the upcoming decade.  The FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and has a presence in more than 130 countries. It is governed by…

Bayer has advanced its opportunities in the European Union by submitting registration applications for its herbicide icafolin-methyl, which the company says brings a novel mode of action to control emerged weeds on broadacre crops. The EU application follows recent applications in the United States, Canada, and Brazil, with the goal of launching Icafolin in 2028, with initial availability in Brazil. Icafolin belongs to a new chemical class providing unique properties that allow for lower dose rates, more targeted applications, and is expected to demonstrate an exceptional safety and sustainability profile. In addition, Icafolin is complementary to existing herbicides, such as…