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Interior touts grazing’s conservation benefits
When I visited Washington, D.C. recently, I had the opportunity to hear from Karen Budd-Falen, Associate Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, about several issues affecting western ranchers and public lands. One topic that generated considerable discussion was the role livestock grazing can play in maintaining healthy rangelands and supporting wildlife habitat. Budd-Falen said recent research has helped change the conversation around grazing and conservation. She pointed to...
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...
Final GREET model guidance expected soon
As the month of April winds down, ethanol industry leaders are anxiously awaiting the release of the GREET model which will determine eligibility for tax credits for ethanol used in sustainable aviation fuel. The model will determine the future of the ethanol industry...
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Groups respond to SAF tax credit guidelines
Legislation introduced in the House and Senate would extend a new sustainable aviation fuel tax credit for biofuels for ten years and prevent foreign producers from accessing the credits. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association applauded the legislation that...
Secretary Naig recaps Iowa trade trip to India
With India taking over the top spot in population and its growing economy, it behooves the state of Iowa to conduct trade trips there to help promote the products we produce here in the state. Recently Governor Reynolds conducted such a trip, and Iowa Ag Secretary...
U.S. Export Sales Report (9-26-24)
The weekly export sales were highlighted by some very strong bean exports, which were some of the highest we’ve ever seen for this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an analysis of the report. McBride said there were some smaller flash sales this week...
Commodity naming rights agreement keeps trade going in Chile
The U.S. recently signed an agreement with Chile to continue uninterrupted trade after a dispute arose over naming rights for products like cheese. Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, said this agreement is good news for U.S....
Early fall weather has been cooperative for harvest
So far during the dry-down and early harvest season, the weather has been cooperative for farmers. That is USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey. He says that the weather has been mild across large stretches of the country where row crops are grown. Corn and soybeans are...
