Top Stories
Iran conflict strengthens ethanol industry case for year-round E15 legislation
The ethanol industry now has another argument for Congress to enact legislation for year-round E15 sales as the Iran-Middle East conflict erupted last weekend. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says that with oil and gas prices on the rise due to the conflict, Congress needs to pass E15 legislation. The war will drive up input costs for farmers and Bedenkamp says that national legislation for E15 would drive up corn demand. He adds that nationwide E15 sales would increase...
Axne discusses legislation that gives farmers time to adapt
When it comes to government regulations, they aren?t always put through at the most convenient time. We recently saw changes and restrictions by EPA on Dicamba in June 2020. This decision came right at the time that farmers were getting ready to spray the product on...
ARC/PLC elections are open
Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and...
Gary Slater reflects on his time as Iowa State Fair CEO
Recently, Iowa State Fair CEO Gary Slater announced that he is retiring after 21 years with the country?s greatest state fair. With the consistent success the fair sees every year, he felt that now was a good time to finally pass the torch and enjoy his summers with...
Exploring new opportunities for soybean growers through collaboration and innovation
Soybean farmers and industry experts recently met in Indianapolis for the Soybean Research Forum and Think Tank to work together on future opportunities for soybeans. It is an event supported by the soy checkoff and state soybean boards.That is Katherine Drake Stowe,...
Avoid common ventilation mistakes in swine barns this winter
Over the past few days, we?ve been dealing with some exceptionally cold weather for this time of year. Fortunately, it looks like the temperatures will warm up again soon, but the cold weather should serve as a reminder that winter isn?t too far off. That means now is...
Avian flu poultry deaths near U.S. record
Avian influenza losses are nearing a record in the United States this year, as the virus has infected more wild birds that transmit the disease. A new report from Reuters shows more than 47 million birds have died from infections and culling. The outbreak sparked...
Video
More Ag News
NPPC is dedicated to improving export climate for pork industry.
When we have been talking about the pork industry lately, we have focused on things like the low market prices, and the Prop 12 issue. However, there is much more to what is going on in the industry. Obviously, when we are dealing with a global economy that is being...
Despite talk of weather pattern changes, the soil is getting dryer
Several areas in the Upper Midwest and the Corn Belt are continuing to struggle with drought. Dennis Todey, director of the USDA?s Midwest Climate Hub in Iowa, said some areas haven?t gotten away from excessively dry weather in several years.Todey said the expanding...
Combatting summer heat stress in dairy cattle
Temperatures can get very hot in rural America from April through September, and the recent weather here in Iowa has been a prime example of that. Combine those high temps with a high humidity index, and dairy cows will get heat stressed. Dr. Glenn Holub is the...
Connecting with consumers online to increase demand for beef
Marketing and promotion of the beef product has changed dramatically over the years.Social media has become a central focus of connecting with consumers.Greg Hanes, Cattlemen?s Beef Board CEO, says social media now plays a large role in marketing beef as it gives...
Midwest drought has Mississippi River level concerns coming back
Remember last summer and early fall when we were so worried about the levels of the Mississippi river? Even though those levels eventually came back up, we are still not out of the woods. Drought has gripped much of the Midwest, and the main tributaries of the Old Man...
