Top Stories
H-2A program still needs more fixes to be affordable
The calls for modernizing the H-2A program for temporary agricultural workers continue to be heard across the spectrum of agriculture. The worker visa program has seen some recent adjustments to calculating the Adverse Effect Wage Rate which is seen as an improvement to the program. However, Enrique Gastelum, CEO of the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, says the AEWR is not the only issue that needs to be examined and addressed. Gastelum says the costs add up quickly, making affordability...
Iowa Corn Growers congratulate California on approval of E15
Yesterday in California, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 30, which legalizes the sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% corn ethanol that is cleaner-burning, homegrown and more affordable than ordinary fuels. With the addition of California, it is now legal in...
District Court advances ranchers’ challenge to tag mandate
A legal challenge over the USDA’s electronic identification (EID) tag mandate for certain cattle and bison is moving forward after the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota denied much of the USDA’s attempt to dismiss the case. The lawsuit, brought by...
Ag marketplace is navigating blind without USDA reports
With the government shutdown in full effect, there won't be any export sales reports until Congress can pass a budget resolution. However, we can still look at the estimates this week for a rough idea of what the sales might look like. Allendale commodity broker Greg...
Government shuts down as Congress fails to pass budget resolution
The Congressional budget year runs through September 30, and the clock has recently run out. Emily Buckman, director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Congress was unable to reach an agreement to keep the federal government open....
Favorable fall weather conditions assisting Iowa’s farmers
Mother Nature is lending a helping hand to farmers this week as conditions are excellent for many aspects of agriculture. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the Central U.S. is experiencing nearly ideal conditions for both harvest and planting cover crops. Rippey...
California Governor signs landmark E15 legislation
In a historic move, California Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 30 into law, authorizing the sale of gasoline blends containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) at retail fuel stations across the state. With this action, E15 is authorized for sale by all 50...
Video
More Ag News
From Ames to Iowa City, everyone cheers for Iowa dairy
Fall is well known for its tailgating fun at sporting events across the country, and nowhere is that tradition stronger than right here in Iowa. Whether you are grilling up cheeseburgers outside Jack Trice Stadium or reaching for the ranch and blue cheese to go with...
Markets are looking for news as government shutdown persists
There’s no clear end in sight yet for this government shutdown, and the markets are desperately looking for news headlines to trade. While there are a few things worth looking at, there’s not much solid news to trade on even outside of government reports. Allendale...
AFBF asks Congress and White House for farm aid
Farmers and ranchers are facing extreme economic pressures. The overall U.S. farm economy is in very bad shape, and the long-term viability of the sector is in danger. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said costs have...
AI in agriculture is here and assisting farmers each day
AI, or artificial intelligence, is beginning to be applied to agriculture in tangible ways that can assist farmers with day-to-day tasks. Heather Hampton Knodle, president of Knodle Farms in Illinois, recently spoke about AI at the Rural Economic Outlook Conference at...
Bayer partners with Cornfed Farms to create first ForwardFarm in Midwest
Bayer is proud to announce that Cornfed Farms, a fourth-generation farm operated by the Mohr family, has been designated as the first Bayer ForwardFarm site in the Midwest and the only ForwardFarm in the United States. This recognition places Cornfed Farms as one of...
