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Appeals court rules against Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
An appeals court recently ruled against the president’s authority on tariffs. However, the playing field stays the same for now. The Federal Court of Appeals recently decided that President Donald Trump does not have the power to set tariffs on imports based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the court decision reaffirmed an earlier decision made by a lower court. Despite the...
Reconciliation bill contains good news for ethanol and biofuels
The Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law over the weekend and critics argue that it did away with clean energy initiatives. However, Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, disagrees from the viewpoint of ethanol and biofuels. Cooper says...
Secretary Naig announces new water quality project in central Iowa’s Beaver Creek Watershed
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is partnering with the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and other public and private partners to launch a new Water Quality...
Iowa pork producers urged to share priorities
Maintaining the health of the U.S. hog herd has always required constant vigilance against animal disease threats. In recent years, much of the attention has centered on global concerns, such as African Swine Fever, with biosecurity efforts ramping up to prevent it...
The battle against New World Screwworm continues
Recently, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S.-Mexico border would reopen for cattle shipments in phases after ports of entry were closed to limit the spread of New World Screwworm. This will help level out the balance between biosecurity and...
Drought coverage for crops and commodities mostly in decline
The month of June provided favorable weather conditions for crop growth for much of the Midwest including Iowa. Consistent, timely rainfall for most of Iowa with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures has set Iowa up well for the heart of the growing season. USDA...
American Butter Institute urges FDA to take action against a new “dairy-free butter” product
A new product from Country Crock labeled as “dairy-free butter” has sparked growing concern within the dairy industry. Under the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), butter is defined as a product made “exclusively from milk or cream, or both.” This means that...
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Heat dome to cover Iowa and much of the Midwest
July has been a cool and wet month so far, which has been great for the corn crops going through pollination. Warm weather is set to return, though, with a heat dome preparing to form over the lower Midwest. Dr. Justin Glisan, state climatologist for Iowa, said it...
20th annual Farm Progress Show is quickly approaching
This year marks the 20th year of the Farm Progress Show, which will take place in Decatur, Illinois, next month. The show will run from August 26-28. Matt Jungmann, national events manager for Farm Progress, said that time will fly by as we approach the show date....
New biological seed treatment to provide more uniform corn emergence
Lumidapt™ is the latest addition to the Corteva Agriscience LumiGEN® corn seed treatment package. Lumidapt Valta LS is a biological seed treatment that aims to encourage germination and strong root development leading to more uniform corn emergence. Brad Van Kooten is...
Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) grants boost biodiesel access at Iowa fuel retailers
At its first meeting of the new fiscal year, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded $1,124,750 in grants to support biofuel expansion across Iowa. The funding will assist 20 retail sites in adding B11 biodiesel and 4 sites in adding E15. “We are...
USDA cuts could strain Iowa farm services
Farmers across the country rely on their local USDA offices for a range of services, including conservation programs and crop insurance support, but concerns are growing that these services could be at risk. With staffing shortages already placing strain on field...
