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AFBF encouraged by progress on Renewable Fuel Standard
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin was in Peosta, Iowa, today to announce a draft rule to reallocate renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions. The rule would provide 100 percent reallocation of the renewable fuel volume requirements that were recently waived for 29 small refineries. Faith Parum, deputy chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the reallocation of the waived volume requirements is good news for U.S....
Fall warmth kickstarts harvest in Iowa
After an abnormally wet September, drier conditions have returned to some of the key row crop growing regions of the country in October. USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says the drier conditions are leading to a slow and steady return to harvest activity in...
Farm bill expiration leaves rural programs in uncertainty
The latest extension of the 2018 Farm Bill expired September 30, leaving Congress without a new long-term agriculture policy. The Farm Bill covers farm safety-net programs, conservation, crop insurance, food assistance, and other programs important to rural America....
Earlier planted soybeans reshape waterhemp management
Earlier soybean planting has become increasingly common as growers look to extend the growing season and capture more yield potential. But that shift can also change the timing of one of the crop's biggest weed management challenges. BASF Technical Marketing Manager...
Secretary Rollins announces funding for new Seed Sovereignty Initiative
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was in Prairie City, Iowa, today to announce a $180 million investment into a new Seed Sovereignty Initiative, which aims to protect valuable plant genetics resources and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agriculture innovation. Rollins said...
Grassley discusses approval of off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment
Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced actions temporarily allowing farmers to use non-taxed, off-road diesel in agricultural and trucking equipment that support on-road harvest activities. The action will provide some federal and state fuel tax relief for...
Propane supplies ready to handle heavy demand
Iowa farmers have finally been able to get in the field after several rain delays. Now that harvest is underway across most of the Corn Belt, propane suppliers are keeping a close eye on crop conditions and weather forecasts. Since this fall has been so wet, there may...
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More Ag News
Markets await October USDA supply and demand estimates
USDA’s October Crop Production Report and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, or WASDE, are scheduled for release at noon Eastern Time on Oct. 9. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says the October reports will incorporate key data...
NPB launches advisory committees to strengthen producer input
One of the cornerstones of the National Pork Board (NPB) is focusing on producer priorities. Six producer-led advisory committees were established recently to align with NPB’s strategic plan. NPB CEO David Newman said the board is built by farmers, for farmers. Unlike...
Opening the playbook on soybean variety selection
Managing soybean cyst nematode can influence more than how farmers protect yield. The resistance needed to manage the pest can also affect which soybean varieties are available to match the other agronomic needs of an individual field. BASF is developing its...
Seed Sovereignty Initiative capitalizes on U.S. seed collection
Yesterday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $180 million investment into the new Seed Sovereignty Initiative. This provides much-needed support for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Dr. Scott Hutchins, USDA...
Diesel tax relief is appreciated, but costs are still high
Earlier this week, President Trump made an executive order to temporarily allow tax-free dyed diesel to be used on highways and defer the federal diesel tax through the end of the year. While farm groups are welcoming any relief this move could provide, many say the...
