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E15 heads to House vote under cloud of distrust
A standalone bill allowing nationwide year-round sales of E15 is still expected to receive a vote in the U.S. House this week, but the path to that vote has created growing frustration among many agriculture state lawmakers. The tension began when Speaker Mike Johnson removed E15 language from the larger Farm Bill package during negotiations aimed at securing support from oil state Republicans and advancing other legislative priorities. While House leadership has maintained that E15 would...
Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
State pesticide labeling reform a debate for next farm bill
As lawmakers once again prepare to begin work on a new farm bill in 2024, farm bill priorities are being voiced by all parties. One area of the ag sector which could be a candidate for reform in the new farm bill could be the pesticide labeling process. The EPA is...
December rural mainstreet index sank
Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral for a fourth-straight month in December. Based on a survey of bank CEOs in a ten-state region, the index rose to 41.7 from November’s 40.4. That’s still lower than October’s 44.4. The index ranges...
Just when you think the government couldn’t get more absurd
When you're facing crippling federal debt with a government that has no problem spending your money, your kids’ money, and the money of the next three generations, it is no surprise that they are finding new and inventive ways to keep sticking their hands further into...
Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand
Farmers are always looking to be sustainable, which itself is usually a way to increase profitability. But now there are other ways, like carbon market programs, that can provide extra revenue to those sustainable practices. Travis Kraft, national sales director of...
U.S. beef promotion efforts building momentum in Central America
U.S. beef exports to Central America have gained momentum in recent months, fueled in part by promotional activities funded by the Beef Checkoff Program. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in Central America, said BBQ Fest Costa Rica is a...
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Clean Label Solution wins 2024 Soy Innovation Challenge
Clean Label Solution is the grand prize winner of this year’s Soy Innovation Challenge. They won the challenge with their fermentation process that uses soybeans to make high-value feed for beef and dairy cattle. Dr. Mohammad Arshadi, founder and CEO of Clean Label,...
Ethanol industry’s EV fight heading to the courts
The second lawsuit in as many weeks has been filed against the Environmental Protection Agency’s final tailpipe emissions rule. This effort is being led by the ethanol industry as it enters a separate challenge following another lawsuit that was submitted by the...
Farmers holding large corn and soybean stocks
After stockpiling crops for much of this season due to low commodity prices, many U.S. farmers continue to turn away buyers despite few signs that prices will improve. Farm Policy News says grain supplies are ample, and early ratings of summer crops are good. While...
Upgraded tiling systems have been saviors this spring
Nobody would have believed after the past few years in the Western Corn Belt that we would want a break in the rain. Iowa certainly has had its share, even though some spots are drying out again. My family in Minnesota has been screaming at Mother Nature to turn the...
“Ring of fire” weather will keep Iowa hot and humid
Seems like this week’s hot temperatures were just a taste of what’s in store for next week. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said next week is supposed to have high temperatures and plenty of rainfall due to a “ring of fire” weather configuration. Glisan...
