A series of recent storms rumbled through the Heartland causing damage through chunks of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
- ZoeMartin
This year’s World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines June 3-4 focuses on what’s new — new leaders and new technology.
- Benjamin Herrold
The hog industry continues to see a run of profitability now stretching over two years, based on Iowa State University estimates.
Editor’s note: Kim Ricardo, South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist, wrote this article for the university’s website May 6.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The cost of hiring fieldwork in Missouri has risen an average of 9% since 2023, according to an update to University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri.
- Benjamin Herrold
After serving as an Army Ranger in the 1st Ranger Battalion, Pat Montgomery faced a decision about what to do next.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
CARSON, Iowa — Eighty years ago, Irvin Perdue left behind the battlefields of Europe for the rolling fields of southwest Iowa.
- Crystal Reed
A warm and wet spring in many parts of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri has had an impact on pastures.
- Crystal Reed
Editor’s note: This is part of series visiting farm museums throughout the Midwest.
- By Tim Kenyon, Iowa Farmer Today
Farm leaders seek more results in agricultural policy with the 2026 Iowa Legislative session ended and the June 2 primary election around the corner.
- Benjamin Herrold
Farmers could see a slightly improved bottom line for 2026 compared to last year, but high input costs continue to keep returns around breakeven levels.
- Tim Kenyon
Eldon McAfee is an attorney with Brick Gentry P.C. in West Des Moines — recognized as one of Iowa’s top agricultural lawyers working on environmental issues on behalf of Iowa’s livestock industry.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
OSCEOLA, Iowa — Jason Boyer finally started planting row crops May 4. Two days later, he estimated that half of his corn crop was in the ground.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
LITTLE ROCK, Iowa — Darwin Klaassen got off to a great start to the planting season, putting corn in the ground April 13.
- Crystal Reed
FORREST, Ill. — Kent Blunier said planting has been going slow and steady on his farm in Livingston County in eastern Illinois.
- Benjamin Herrold
LEETON, Mo. — In west-central Missouri, planting got off to a quick start with warm, mostly dry weather in March.
- Benjamin Herrold
ROCK PORT, Mo. — Under a blue sky on a spring day, brothers Craig and Pat Moore were getting their planter ready to go to kick off the 2026 planting season. At the edge of a field, the expanse of the Missouri River bottom stretched out toward the horizon. And across Atchison County in northw…
- Benjamin Herrold
NORBORNE, Mo. — Rain has made for a challenging planting season so far in Nathan White’s area. White farms near Norborne in Carroll and Ray counties, both in the hills and in the Missouri River bottom.
- Benjamin Herrold
RUTLEDGE, Mo. — After some rainy weeks, planting progress ramped back up in northeast Missouri.
- Crystal Reed
BETHANY, Ill. — Wet and cold conditions are slowing down some farmers in the central part of the state.
- By Nat Williams, Illinois Farmer Today
TAMAROA, Ill. — It has been a tale of two seasons for Greg Schorfheide. So far, he likes the way the story is going in 2026.
- By Nat Williams, Illinois Farmer Today
RIDGWAY, Ill. — Rusty Mosby is a typical farmer. In other words, he gets concerned when things seem to be going exceptionally well.
- Kristen Sindelar
Ag-focused research is coming to the heartland of agriculture with the organizational restructuring of certain parts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Tim Kenyon
VINTON, Iowa — Almost a half-century of farming has led to a wealth of knowledge and humor for Wayne Siela.
- Tim Kenyon
TRAER, Iowa — The Kubik family’s on-the-go schedule fills up as they progress through planting season in Tama County.