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Lawmakers divided on whether Farm Bill can be passed in 2026
Congressional Republicans plan to revive stalled farm bill negotiations in January after failing to pass a new measure by year’s end, extending uncertainty for farmers facing high costs, inflation and trade disruptions. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson said he hopes to schedule a committee markup ahead of a Jan. 30 funding deadline, though he acknowledged it may be difficult to attach the bill to must-pass spending legislation. The delay means Congress will enter a third year...
Extended-release cattle dewormer can maximize ROI
The well-known benefits of deworming cattle include improved reproduction, higher daily gains, and heavier calves at weaning. However, using an extended-release dewormer can be a game changer that gives the greatest return on investment. Dr. Jody Wade, a professional...
Grocery prices high, further increases possible
Grocery prices, for the most part, remain high and according to the American Farm Bureau the price increases could continue. Grocery store prices have not been kind to consumer’s pocketbooks recently and AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson says that input costs and general...
Record $3.4 million in biofuels grants will expand E15 availability
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 74 project applications totaling more than $3.4 million in cost-share funding for Iowa fuel retailers during its quarterly board meeting last week. 73 ethanol cost-share projects were awarded, an...
USDA adds funding for specialty crop producers
As consumers, we rely on having a strong supply of vegetables, fruits, and other products to serve on our tables. However, for some producers, the challenges of getting their goods in front of consumers can be daunting. It takes financial backing to get the companies...
South American Weather and Crop Update (2-6-24)
Concerns about long-term dry weather still remain in South America, but, for the time being, there are some nice rains passing over right now. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest weather conditions. McBride said that harvest is still...
Low cattle inventory brings higher beef prices
USDA’s biannual Cattle Inventory report showed the nation’s cattle herd at 87.2 million head, down roughly two percent from last year. This is the lowest herd size in 73 years, and it means that we could be seeing record beef prices in the grocery store soon. American...
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Ethanol industry eyeing 2025 Clean Fuel Tax Credit for SAF
The ethanol industry is keeping a close eye on the pending Treasury Department Clean Fuel Tax Credit, a key for sustainable aviation fuel after a just-finished credit quickly expires. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp said the now final 45 B tax credit for...
International Longshoreman’s Association contract talks at standstill
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor...
U.S. cattle herd contraction continues
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report was published on Friday June 21st and is considered somewhat bearish when compared to the industry’s pre-report estimates. The June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not feature any big surprises, but the placements number was up...
Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa flooding
Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The letter requests activation of the Federal...
USDA hopes to level poultry playing field in Packers & Stockyard changes
Many lawmakers, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, have advocated for upgrades to the Packers & Stockyards Act. This bill is over a hundred years old and currently needs an upgrade for modern times. While it has been a source of geographical contention for...
