Farmers

Rural advocacy groups have launched an initiative to raise awareness of rural issues and support producers who grow healthy food in Nebraska.

Supporters of small and independent agriculture producers in Iowa have launched an initiative to raise awareness of rural issues as the midterm elections approach, pushing back against what they call the outsized influence of corporate and foreign-owned agricultural operations.

Missouri farmers say they're facing some of the toughest economic conditions in decades. Now, they're pressing lawmakers to make the next Farm Bill a lifeline for family farms instead of big agribusiness.

Iowa family farmers said the long-overdue Farm Bill under consideration in Washington favors large corporate agricultural interests over independent producers.

Since President Donald Trump began U.S. military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iowans have seen average gasoline prices jump from $2.635 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline to $4.536, according to AAA data. For Iowa farmers, the war has also driven up the cost of the diesel fuel and fertilizer they rely on for food production.

Many operations entered the spring with fuel purchased over the winter for less than $3 per gallon. However, the first refill of the season could cost more than $1.50 higher per gallon.

Fewer veterinary students are pursuing a career serving the country’s livestock industry, and the demand for graduates interested in working in large animal medicine outpaces the number who choose to specialize in the area.

Environmental scientists are pushing back on an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, requiring farmers to use the herbicide glyphosate to protect the nation's food supply.

As farmers reflect on the 2025 growing season, one disease stands out: southern rust. It's a fungus that grows on corn. The fungus spread not only into northern Missouri but also Iowa and even Minnesota. The disease is not new, but it's unusual for it to spread this far north, because it cannot survive harsh winters.