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USDA to provide $7 million for advanced biofuel production
USDA announced Friday that it is making $7 million available nationwide to advanced biofuel producers through the Advanced Biofuel Producer Payment Program, Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said. The funding, authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill, will support eligible producers by providing quarterly payments based on the actual production of finished advanced biofuels. The enrollment period runs from October 1 to December 15, 2025. “This home-grown biofuel production results in lower prices...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-5-23)
Argentina and some parts of Brazil are seeing nice rains in the nearby forecasts, but there are still large sections of Brazil that are fairly dry. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the current weather conditions. However, McBride said there...
Making necessary farming changes
Focusing on sustainability practices as the pillar of a farming operation. That may mean a dramatic change for yours and it requires a daily focus on how to improve: “Working ag retail actually really brought me onto the sustainability journey that I've been on, and...
Farm production expenses rise again, net cash income drops
Farm production expenses are up again, and net cash farm income is down. However, there is still some good economic news as 2023 moves towards the finish line. Farm production costs are forecast to jump another three-and-a-half percent this year, with interest and...
Iowa Corn sponsors first NASCAR cup race in the state
The Iowa Corn Growers Association is proud to be a partner for the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in the state. The “Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol” will showcase ethanol’s performance at the fastest short track on the planet, which is surrounded by corn fields....
Propane supplies highest in half a decade
We have talked at length about the warm weather and the long fall, and the benefits it has given us for getting crops out of the field and fertilizers applied for next spring. One of the other aspects of the weather that is benefitting us is the lower demand for...
Butcher shop program promotes U.S. red meat in Colombia
With support from USDA, the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation helps Colombian butcher shops more effectively merchandise U.S. red meat. USMEF Latin America Representative Homero Recio said the butcher shops play a key...
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More Ag News
La Nina returns this summer after brief El Nino
After a few years in a solid La Nina weather pattern, this winter saw a strong El Nino. However, that didn’t last long, as we are already back to ENSO-neutral, which will then lead to La Nina again this summer. Iowa State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan said this...
Keep mental health in mind during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Studies show that farmer suicide rates are several times higher than the national average. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says mental health among farmers and...
Grassley urges better data reporting on avian influenza in dairy cows
United States Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) responded on Thursday to a Washington Post story critical of bird flu testing in dairy cows and the sharing of results. Grassley says that the logistics of mandating more testing in millions of cows would be difficult....
USDA requires H5N1 testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle
The Department of Agriculture Wednesday mandated testing for H5N1 of dairy cattle that cross state lines. The move is to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of avian influenza. Before interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative...
USDA Undersecretary Taylor returns from India
Trade is top of mind in the agriculture industry. Growing and maintaining our list of trading partners is essential, especially given the circumstances of the trade glut we have experienced in the past year or so. It is especially important to make regular trade trips...
