Local, State & Ag News
SD farmers urged to report winter storm losses to USDA for disaster aid
Farmers in South Dakota who were impacted by the mid-March winter storms are encouraged to quickly report losses to the USDA if they want financial assistance. Livestock deaths or reduced
Celebrating 35 years of USB with Sandy Ludeman
Celebrating 35 years of building demand and creating new opportunities for soybean farmers. This week we’re talking with Sandy Ludeman and looking back at more than three decades of farmer-led
Ag economist concerned about input picture for 2027 crops
An agricultural economist at the University of Illinois says he’s concerned that climbing fertilizer prices may impact farmers’ ability to adequately manage crops in 2027. Nick Paulson says a drawn-out
Eastern Arkansas farmer warns of severe drought as planting season begins
A farmer in eastern Arkansas says he’s concerned about the ongoing dry conditions as the planting season begins. “I think we’re 15 to 20 inches deficient of rainfall right now.”
Michigan State study early results find low PFAS risk in farm soils
Preliminary research at Michigan State University had found a low risk of forever chemicals in agricultural soils. MSU AgBioResearch PFAS Outreach Specialist Katie King says samples last year from 17

Dordt Reports Nearly 100 Percent Career Outcome Rate for 2025 Graduates
Dordt University says nearly all of its most recent graduates are already finding success in the next step of their careers. Within six months of graduation, 99.7% of Dordt’s 2025
Nebraska FFA expanding ag awareness in urban classrooms
Some Nebraska FFA members say building connections in urban communities is an important step for growing the future of agriculture. Leah Christen, state secretary from Lewiston, says students are
Farmers urged to take a full-season approach to crop management ahead of 2026 crop year
A Syngenta agronomist says creating a proactive crop management plan will be key to maximizing yields in 2026. Jami Loecker says using last year’s records as a guide could help
Young Iowans compete for $300K in scholarships at state science fair
Hundreds of middle and high school students from across Iowa are fielding questions from judges, entering the second and final day of the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa,
A mild to unseasonably warm, progressively wetter pattern again ahead for the Heartland
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for near- or above-normal temperatures and precipitation across much of the country. Cooler-than-normal conditions will be confined to northern sections of Washington,
