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RFA blames divided oil industry for no year-round E15 deal
The Renewable Fuels Association says that a deal on year-round E15 access could have crossed the finish line if not for infighting between a divided oil industry. Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice-President Troy Bredenkamp says most of the oil industry was on board with a proposal agreed to with the American Petroleum Institute. This was the latest setback for year-round E15 legislation which has garnered a lot of support from ag groups and legislators but has yet to be passed by...
Iowa producers can now receive disaster aid
Iowa producers will soon be able to receive funds that were earmarked for 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers across the country. Danny Much, an economist for the...
Rollins shuts down southern ports again
A new case of New World screwworm appeared this week, only 160 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border. USDA had previously announced a risk-based phased-in port reopening strategy for cattle, bison, and equine from Mexico that began on July 7. The new case raises...
Grassley lays out updated farm bill priorities
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill over the 4th of July weekend, attention now turns back once again to the farm bill. United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) says the farm bill improvements in the reconciliation bill contains “major victories for...
Nutrien Financial helps Iowa growers navigate tight margins
As producers work through the heart of the growing season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that tighter margins and rising input costs are putting added strain on farm finances. From fuel to fertilizer, every dollar spent must stretch a little further than it did...
Iowa soil testing facility provides a behind-the-scenes look
Farmers Edge Labs in Grimes has been testing Iowa soil samples since 2018, offering a wide variety of testing methods for producers across the major growing regions of the United States. A recent lab event offered an in-depth look at the full soil testing process,...
USDA improving national security by protecting agriculture
A new USDA plan is aimed to help improve national security by protecting agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new USDA initiative that focuses on agriculture as a key component of protecting national security. Sam Kieffer, vice president of...
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More Ag News
Year-round E15 would be beneficial for everyone
Congress has an opportunity to help farmers and bring down the cost of gas. In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said year-round E15 sales would fuel the economy. Duvall said biofuels are also great for the atmosphere....
2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year has roots in agriculture
One of Iowa’s top leaders in ag education was recognized as the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Melanie Bloom, who has been teaching agriculture at Sioux Central Community School District in Sioux Rapids for 16 years, was announced as the recipient of the award last...
NPB strengthening connection between consumers and pork
The National Pork Board’s strategic brand campaign is all about taste and flavor. Patrick Fleming, vice president of demand development, says the new tagline, “Taste What Pork Can Do™,” aims to strengthen consumers' connection with pork by highlighting its flavor and...
Thune pushes Farm Bill, farmers push harder
Farmers are running out of patience as depressed commodity prices and razor-thin profit margins continue to squeeze their operations. The much-celebrated “Big Beautiful Bill” passed earlier this summer, offering some relief, but it did little to calm the frustration...
Crop insurance enhancements and improvements announced
A big piece of the farm safety net, crop insurance, is getting an overhaul courtesy of the Big Beautiful Bill. Risk Management Agency Administrator Pat Swanson explains the adjustments to enterprise and whole farm units. Swanson says there are also recently enacted...
