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Tree planting connects youth to America 250
A tree planting at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is one of many events planned this year as part of the America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, who also serves as vice chair of Iowa’s America 250 commission, says the effort includes a wide range of activities across the state, from large signature events to smaller community celebrations. Naig says the tree planting effort, which includes a goal of planting 250 trees across Iowa with the...
Meal simplicity increasing poultry consumption
Consumption of poultry has increased significantly with the rise of nutrition and meal simplicity. Annually, Americans consume over 100 pounds of poultry per person, making it the preferred protein source in the United States says Pennsylvania State assistant...
Iowa delegation wants reduction on fertilizer duties
Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are calling on the Department of Commerce to lower the countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The push comes from the Court of International Trade’s recent remand of DOC’s subsidy calculation. “We ask...
Rural residents encouraged to utilize Prescription Drug Take Back Day
It’s not just an urban problem. It’s becoming a larger rural problem every day. That is the abuse of prescription drugs, mostly opioids, by our citizens. This is not just a problem of young people doing it for a rush, it is increasingly a problem amongst adults of...
Young agriculturists invited to explore “new frontiers” at AFBF Convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Convention is approaching fast, and the organization is partnering up this year with 4-H, FFA, and MANRRS to offer free registration to youth members. David Townsend, assistant director of member engagement, said this...
Grassley, Ernst suggest farm bill talks have collapsed
Ag Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) suggest Senate farm bill talks have collapsed. Two big clues to the state of Senate farm bill talks fell into place this week. Iowa’s junior Senator Joni Ernst spoke to the media outside the chamber. Suggesting...
Reusing tile drainage water for crop irrigation
Farmers in Iowa are continuing to innovate and improve Iowa’s water quality at the same time. How about using runoff for irrigation? It’s happening on at least one farm in Iowa. Led by some outstanding progressive farmers, commodity organizations, and to a certain...
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La Nina returns this summer after brief El Nino
After a few years in a solid La Nina weather pattern, this winter saw a strong El Nino. However, that didn’t last long, as we are already back to ENSO-neutral, which will then lead to La Nina again this summer. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
Keep mental health in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and...
Grassley urges better data reporting on avian influenza in dairy cows
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) responded on Thursday to a Washington Post story critical of bird flu testing in dairy cows and the sharing of results. Grassley says that the logistics of mandating more testing in millions of cows would be difficult....
USDA requires H5N1 testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday mandated testing for H5N1 of dairy cattle that cross state lines. The move is to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of avian influenza. Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative...
USDA Undersecretary Taylor returns from India
Trade is top of mind in the agriculture industry. Growing and maintaining our list of trading partners is essential, especially given the circumstances of the trade glut we have experienced in the past year or so. It is especially important to make regular trade trips...
