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Year-round E15 legislation is still in trouble
There are more warning signs that year-round E15 legislation is in trouble. Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin told USDA Secretary Rollins at a recent hearing that strong influence from interest groups is stalling year-round E15. According to Slotkin, there is an urgent need for Rollins to personally engage with senators to get year-round E15 to the president’s desk. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley showed concerns about Congress having to rely on temporary solutions that would not allow...
New export markets boost Iowa agriculture
As the U.S. works to expand agricultural trade, USDA officials say diversifying export markets is becoming more important for long-term stability. USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg says relying too heavily on one major buyer...
Food rescue plays a big role in fighting food insecurity
On top of distributing food to people who need it, food banks across the country play a vital role in reducing food waste. The USDA estimates that up to 40% of the nation’s food supply goes to waste every year. Food rescue serves two main purposes- it keeps some of...
Fuel price volatility continues as war negotiations resume
For the duration of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, oil prices have been on a rollercoaster ride, And that volatility continues as negotiations resume in Pakistan. Patrick DeHaan, the senior petroleum analyst with Gasbuddy.com, said oil prices decreased last week,...
Slow moving weather systems expected to provide more precipitation
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says a mix of temperatures and above normal precipitation is expected for much of country for the period of April 28th-May 4th. Rippey provides the details of the 8 to 14 day weather forecast. Rippey says parts of the Plains should...
Farm bill talks gain momentum amid pressure from farm groups
Congressional leaders are signaling renewed momentum on a long-delayed farm bill as pressure builds from agricultural groups ahead of the 2026 planting season. Lawmakers from both parties said negotiations have accelerated, though disagreements remain overspending...
Naig optimistic on Iowa Farm Act passage
The Iowa Farm Act continues to move through the State Legislature as lawmakers work to finalize the comprehensive ag policy package before the session comes to a close. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the bill has already cleared the House with strong...
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Farm industry is navigating challenging times
There’s no doubt it’s been a rough go for the U.S. agricultural sector in recent years. Rob Larew, the president of the National Farmers Union, said the passage of the farm bill out of the House provides a bit of hope. Larew said it was disappointing to see year-round...
House farm bill amendment blocks foreign adversaries from buying U.S. farmland
Foreign adversaries are barred from buying U.S. farmland under an amendment added to the House farm bill which recently passed in the House by voice vote. The bill was introduced by Florida Republican Greg Steube. Much of the land referred to by Steube is located near...
DOJ confirms probe into beef processors
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into the nation’s beef processing industry, raising concerns about market concentration and its impact on cattle producers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said officials are examining whether...
Ernst builds on USDA food safety center announcement
Following up on last week’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about establishing a National Food Safety Center in Iowa, more details are emerging about what that move means for the state and the broader ag industry. The USDA’s Food Safety and...
Inspiring consumers to add more pork to their diets
The National Pork Board’s Retail Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting serves as a direct, industry-focused platform to connect retail leaders with key insights into the organization’s consumer campaigns and third-party consumer research. Neal Hull, NPB’s director of state...
