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AFBF concerned about proposed UP-NS rail merger
The $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads would create the first coast-to-coast railroad across 43 states. Danny Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the big concern is the loss of competitive pressure across the rail system. Munch said rail shippers are incredibly important to agricultural commerce. Munch said rail mergers are reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board and not the Department of Justice. The American Farm Bureau...
Growth opportunities abound for renewable fuels
2022 was a big year for ethanol with high gas prices causing more drivers to opt for ethanol blends at the pump. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says that despite large demand for ethanol this year, there is still a lot of room for growth...
National ag day essay contest looking for entries
Ahead of National Ag Day on March 21, 2023, the Agriculture Council of America is hosting an essay contest. The theme for the year is Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does it Every Day. The essay contest is divided into two categories, either a...
AMVAC?s new BioWake? is a great addition to their crop health line
When it comes to raising a crop, you must have a strong start. More and more, we are seeing products being added in-furrow during planting, which gives our crops not only a strong start but also helps them the whole year through. Getting more of these products on at...
USDA providing $285 million through grants for climate-smart ag in rural America
Last week, U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA is investing $285 million in critical infrastructure to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy for people across rural America, and combat climate change. USDA Rural Development State Director...
U.S. soy saw strong numbers in December WASDE
The December World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from USDA reveals a strong forecast for U.S. soybeans. Mac Marshall, United Soybean Board vice president of market intelligence, explained the details.?Now it being December, it?s not a month...
What to expect from the new session of the U.S. Congress in 2023
After the midterm elections in November, Republicans control the House while Democrats have control of the senate. Mary Kay Thatcher, senior manager of federal government and industry relations with Syngenta, says that when Congress resumes in 2023 there could be a...
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Governor Reynolds talks Fairside Chats at Iowa State Fair
When we made up our fun little ag bingo card for the Iowa State Fair, we had a meeting over what we needed to make sure to put on it. It had to be something you were guaranteed to see while you were here. While the number one pick was the pork chop on a stick, the...
No shortage of support for Special Olympics athletes in Bacon Buddies
Sixteen Special Olympics athletes had the chance to show pigs at this year’s Bacon Buddies Show at the Iowa State Fair. A collaboration between the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Special Olympics Iowa, the show seeks to provide Special Olympians with a unique...
Focusing on conservation with IFB at ISF
Focusing on conservation at the Iowa State Fair. It’s the theme for the Iowa Farm Bureau Booth this year, recognizing leaders in conservation along with outstanding practices. It’s an ongoing effort to minimize tillage and maximize efficiency and Iowa Farm Bureau...
Iowa farm environmental leader awards highlight Iowa’s land stewards
The Iowa Farm Environmental Leaders awards were presented at a ceremony on Wednesday at the Iowa State Fair. The awards recognize the voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and the state’s natural resources.The Iowa Farm Environmental...
Ernst talks concerns over China & American Ag
We have been talking at the state fair on several ag issues. Whether it is crop prices, Prop 12, land prices, or more, folks are concerned about the future of agriculture. Not only the cost of getting into the business and staying profitable but also how much China...
