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More farmers using drones than ever
Just a few years ago, drones were a novelty in the agricultural world. Today they are being used in ever increasing numbers and are becoming a major part of farming operations across the country. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says that drones are being used on an increasing number of farmland acres. Nelson says that drones are becoming more popular because they complement more traditional spraying methods with crop dusters or ground rigs. Drones are being...
Making sure the entire renewable fuels industry is represented
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a new round of Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, exempting refiners from some renewable fuel blending obligations for 2025. While the action removes nearly 1.8 billion renewable fuel credits...
California breakthrough could boost Iowa ethanol demand
California is moving closer to allowing year-round E15 sales, potentially opening one of the nation’s largest gasoline markets to increased ethanol use. The California legislature approved a bill during the final day of its legislative session that removes the...
USDA Secretary Rollins announces Ranchers First Initiative
Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a plan of several actions that aims to aid in the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd and bring ranchers back at the center of the food supply. During her visit to...
Small refinery exemptions offer a mixed bag for U.S. farmers
The Environmental Protection Agency granted 29 Small Refinery Exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard this week. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the exemptions create a shortfall for biofuels demand by...
Central Iowa farmers gearing up for corn harvest
The Farm Progress Show conveniently takes place just before the harvest season begins each year. It won’t be long until the farmers that are visiting the show are back at home in the cab of their combine to begin harvesting. Wade Peck is a district sales manager with...
EPA grants most small refinery exemption requests
EPA has granted most of the small refinery exemption requests it considered for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance year. The agency announced decisions Monday on 34 petitions from individual refineries seeking relief from their biofuel blending obligations....
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More Ag News
Lofty market prices are worth making a plan for
U.S. grain prices are historically high as we enter harvest season, which provides a very unique marketing opportunity for Iowa producers. However, it can be difficult to chase a market rally and worry about harvest at the same time. Micheal Weidner, director of grain...
Grassley: House-Senate Farm Bill pre-conferencing is likely underway
House and Senate Ag staff are likely trying to iron out farm bill differences ahead of the Senate’s return next week to save time, according to a key senator. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s optimistic about the process. Pre-conferencing could speed the farm...
Dairy again at center of Canada trade war escalation
The dairy industry once again finds itself in the middle of the trade tug-of-war between the United States and Canada. President Trump has banned Canadian dairy products and other goods along with government contracts in the latest trade war escalation. Trump says the...
Corn harvest begins as U.S. crop condition continues to decline
The U.S. corn harvest is underway as farmers enter the final stages of a growing season marked by uneven weather and declining crop conditions. USDA's latest Crop Progress report showed 5% of the nation's corn had been harvested as of Sept. 6, compared with the...
John Deere turns years of farm data into answers
Artificial intelligence is becoming another tool available to farmers, and John Deere is developing an AI assistant designed to help producers make better use of years of data they have already collected. John Deere unveiled JD, its new AI assistant embedded in...
