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Feenstra says year-round E15 has strong bipartisan support
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives was able to pass legislation that would allow E15 to permanently be sold year-round. By unleashing ethanol production, demand for corn can increase, fuel prices can go down, and America can become more energy independent. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra, who earlier this year was appointed to serve as co-chair of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, said this legislation has been in the works for a long time. While the bill passed narrowly on a...
Pork producers concerned about FDA antibiotics proposal
The National Pork Producers Council submitted comments critical of the Food and Drug Administration’s draft guidance on the duration of use of certain antibiotics in food animals. NPPC says the proposal would “deny the ability for a veterinarian to prescribe...
John Deere has new balers ready for 2024
We spend a lot of time talking about the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of crops. However, we don’t always think about the work that needs to be done to secure forage for our livestock. Balers are a huge part of the operation when you have cattle, horses, or...
South American Weather and Crop Update (1-16-24)
We’re looking at a drier forecast this time in South America, particularly in Brazil. However, that’s what Brazilian farmers want, as they are trying to fully kick off harvest season. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather...
A new way to buy seed, tailored to your operation
Just because something has been done the same way for a long time doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best way to perform that task. Sometimes an overhaul is needed and a new way of thinking or looking at a problem can deliver improved results. Christy Schrader is a...
Social security benefits to increase this year
Social Security benefits, which are critical for elderly rural residents, are going to increase by 3.2% this year. That averages out to about $59 more per month. However, AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said it’s a significantly lower increase than last...
USDA investing in biofuels
The USDA is awarding grants worth $19 million to American businesses to increase the availability of biofuels in 22 states and give Americans cleaner and more affordable options at gas station pumps. Blending ethanol into gasoline has helped reduce fuel costs by...
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Smithfield foods closing its Altoona Iowa facility
Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate the production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform. Smithfield says it will provide transition assistance to the 314 employees at the...
July weather forecast for the Midwest and Corn Belt
With July a critical month for crop growth in Iowa, growers have their eyes fixed on the latest weather forecasts in hopes of timely rains for their crops. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a cooler trend is in store for parts of the Midwest and Corn Belt to begin...
Cover Crop Business Accelerator from PFI and ISA celebrates 5 years
Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Iowa Soybean Association offer their Cover Crop Business Accelerator (CCBA) program to support cover crop adoption in the Midwest. The program is now in its fifth year, and it helps new and emerging cover crop businesses with the seed...
Class III milk futures likely to see continued choppiness
The Class III milk market has experienced significant volatility recently, with prices fluctuating and market participants seeking clear direction. Kathleen Wolfley, an agriculture broker with Ever.Ag, provided insights into the current dynamics and future outlook for...
Independence Day means so much more than a day off
Today, as most of us enjoy a day off work, we should take the time to reflect on what the 4th of July means. 248 years ago, men from across a fledgling nation sat in a small room in Philadelphia and found a way to put aside their differences and come to an mutually...
