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SNAP funding debate slows farm bill markup process
The House Ag farm bill markup has entered its second day, but the key stumbling block to a bipartisan bill has now come into sharp focus. The fight over SNAP versus farm programs has kept a new farm bill off the books for at least three years. Republicans got around that and made cuts to SNAP, using those funds to boost crop support levels in the president’s tax and spending bill last July. Now, Democrats are hammering Ag Committee Republicans over that bill’s work requirements, which cut $187...
September WASDE report soybean forecast tempers expectations
USDA?s September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report predicts a smaller soybean crop than previously forecasted, but still the fourth largest crop on record. Mac Marshall, United Soybean Board and U.S. Soybean Export Council Vice President of Market...
Could high pathogenic avian influenza return this fall?
This spring, we all went through something we were hoping never to have to go through again. That was the return of high pathogenic avian influenza to the Midwest. After the lessons we learned in 2015, we were ready for this go around. While any loss of flocks is...
Iowan nominated to become USDA under secretary for trade
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today held a hearing to consider the nomination of Alexis Taylor, of Iowa, to become Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Senator Chuck...
Modernized Endangered Species Act rules reinstated
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a district court improperly vacated 2019 revisions of the Endangered Species Act. The appeals court says the lower court erred by reversing the regulations without considering whether they were lawful. Travis Cushman,...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-22-22)
Even with the lower expectations for this week?s report, the numbers were still pretty disappointing. Pressure from other countries is likely weighing in on our exports. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride broke down the numbers from this week?s U.S. Export Sales...
Pork board receives $155 million in climate-smart funds
The National Pork Board received three grants totaling $155 million as part of the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding. The three grants are part of the $2.8 billion awarded to 70 selected projects in the first round of funding for the program. The...
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May started promising, but turned exceptionally dry
Early on in May, the weather looked like it was going to live up to expectations and bring plenty of moisture. However, the back half of the month reminded us that Mother Nature can do whatever she pleases, and it ended up being one of the driest Mays on record. Iowa...
Give your swine barn a ventilation checkup
Even with warmer weather, swine barn ventilation maintenance is a year-round activity. Kevin Rath, AP District Manager, said that keeping the ventilation system in good working order can make all the difference.?Good ventilation is imperative for creating an ideal...
FBN speeding up land loan approval process
Traditionally, securing land financing has been a time-consuming and sometimes complicated task. The new Instant Land Loan Approvals program from Farmers Business Network Finance is designed to speed up the loan application process and help farmers in a competitive...
Improving water quality remains the focus at IDALS
The recent decision by the Supreme Court over the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has limits on the jurisdiction over private properties. It also affirmed that the states and local governments still have jurisdiction...
Gov. Reynolds announces $5M investment to help boost food bank capacity
DES MOINES ? Today, Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced a $5 million investment in food banks and food pantry networks to help more Iowans in need get access to fresh, nutritious food.?Access to fresh foods is a challenge for those...
