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New report showcases positive impacts of biofuels on ag productivity
U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action's recent report from S&P Global Energy shows biofuels' potential for boosting farm profitability and rural economies. For Chip Bowling, vice chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, expanding the market for biofuels is vital, as they present a unique opportunity for creating a long-term market-driven demand that rewards farmers from modern practices while revitalizing rural economies. Bowling added that the declining numbers of farms between 2002...
Iowa State Fair a showcase of education and advocation for Iowa Agriculture
Less than a week from now, Iowans will descend on Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair. It is a chance for our citizens to celebrate everything about Iowa. Among those things we celebrate is the agriculture industry. Whether it is the animals we show to the food we eat,...
Paris Olympics dealing with shortages of quality protein
In the most recent installment of their Beltway Beef Podcast, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association discussed some of the issues raised at the 2024 Paris Olympics. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Backus talked about how the Olympic organizers...
U.S. Export Sales Report (8-1-24)
As we get closer to the end of the marketing year, we saw another neutral export sales report this week. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. This week also saw a flash sale to China, but flash sales are still far behind where...
USDA says food inflation easing, while farm input costs remain high
The USDA says food inflation is easing, but farm input costs remain high. USDA economist Megan Sweitzer says that consumers may be getting a bit of a break from grocery price inflation which topped 11 percent in 2022. USDA’s grocery price forecast for next year looks...
Officers elected to lead Iowa Farm Bureau’s young farmer program
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer Advisory Committee elected officer positions for 2024-25: Chair: Zac Preston, Warren County Vice Chair: Megan McAllister, Dubuque County Secretary: Mitchell Sievers, Buena Vista County Public Relations Co-Chairs: Alyssa...
Secretary Vilsack announces DFAP program
Yesterday, the Biden administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners...
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More Ag News
Charitable giving can be part of end-of-year tax plans
As we approach the end of 2024, now is a great time to prepare for tax season. There are plenty of things you can do to set yourself up in a better position before you need to file. Matt Roberts, chief planning officer with Syverson Strege, said that, if you plan on...
South American Weather and Crop Update (12-17-24)
It’s smooth sailing for the crops in South America right now, as the weather has been fairly cooperative recently. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest conditions in Brazil and Argentina. Since the weather has been good, the crop...
Legislators want verification of used cooking oil imports
Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa joined bipartisan colleagues in demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding used cooking oil imports. The lawmakers want information on the agency’s process for verifying the authenticity of the...
Last minute push underway for economic farm aid in stopgap spending bill
Republicans and ag groups in Washington D.C. are making a last-minute push to include economic farm aid in the stopgap spending bill that will avoid a government shutdown. The last gasp campaign for farm aid comes as farmers are faced with another one-year extension...
John Deere ready for planting in 2025
We have just recently finished the 2024 harvest, and it won’t be long before we say, “Break’s over. Back to work” for 2025. Many farms are already getting the ball rolling on equipment preparation for the next season. Winter gives you a great chance to give your...
