Local, State & Ag News
Second round of USDA disaster payments announced, deadline moved to August 12
The USDA has announced it will be issuing a second round of aid payments under the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. Richard Fordyce, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation,
Red meat, poultry in cold storage lower than last year
Demand had a big impact on U.S. poultry in cold storage during March. The USDA says total poultry supplies at the end of last month were 5% below a year
Cash rent averages unexpectedly up slightly in 2025
A farm management specialist at the University of Illinois says cash rent averages did a few unexpected things in 2025. Gary Schnitkey says despite the slumping ag economy, some Corn
New study highlighting role of sustainable ag practices to boosting yields and lowering costs
The vice president of sustainability at Farm Credit Services of America says a recent study is highlighting the economic benefits of conservation practices. Myriah Johnson says soil health practices are
Weights, processing pace push poultry production higher
U.S. poultry production was up sharply in March. The USDA says 4.652 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome last month, rising 10% on the year thanks to a faster
Securing fuel ahead of time helps Iowa farmer manage rising costs
A southwest Iowa farmer says securing fuel early helped him avoid recent price increases. Duane Aistrope (ay-strope) tells Brownfield, “I booked my fuel for all spring needs and half my
E15 provision a priority in “skinny” farm bill, Hinson says
U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, a member of the House Rural Domestic Energy Council, says getting E15 language in the so-called “skinny” farm bill was a critical need for farmers. “It’s
More drones, more need for airspace awareness
A recent survey shows the growing use of drones is leading to more safety concerns for aerial agriculture applicators. Andrew Moore with the National Agricultural Aviation Association tells Brownfield their
Bacon: “plenty of work ahead” as House takes up farm bill
A member of the House Ag Committee says there will be plenty of work to do when lawmakers take up the skinny farm bill next week. Don Bacon, a Republican
More help for Iowa infants with potential hearing problems
Thanks to a sizeable grant, a central Iowa non-profit is helping the state’s families connect with more testing and resources if their newborn infants fail initial screenings for hearing. Molly
