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NCBA says Prop 12 language critical for cattle producers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says language dealing with California’s Proposition 12 law has become one of the most important livestock issues tied to the Farm Bill debate in Washington. During the recent NAFB Washington Watch event, NCBA’s Sigrid Johannes said cattle producers are paying close attention because they believe the issue reaches far beyond the pork industry. Johannes said NCBA has been heavily focused on protecting language included in the House Agriculture...
Battle between electric vehicles and ethanol will heat up in 2024
This year will likely be full of competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and ethanol-powered hybrids as the ethanol industry makes a play for a share of the carbon-reducing vehicle market and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moves to finalize tough new...
State pesticide labeling reform a debate for next farm bill
As lawmakers once again prepare to begin work on a new farm bill in 2024, farm bill priorities are being voiced by all parties. One area of the ag sector which could be a candidate for reform in the new farm bill could be the pesticide labeling process. The EPA is...
December rural mainstreet index sank
Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral for a fourth-straight month in December. Based on a survey of bank CEOs in a ten-state region, the index rose to 41.7 from November’s 40.4. That’s still lower than October’s 44.4. The index ranges...
Just when you think the government couldn’t get more absurd
When you're facing crippling federal debt with a government that has no problem spending your money, your kids’ money, and the money of the next three generations, it is no surprise that they are finding new and inventive ways to keep sticking their hands further into...
Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand
Farmers are always looking to be sustainable, which itself is usually a way to increase profitability. But now there are other ways, like carbon market programs, that can provide extra revenue to those sustainable practices. Travis Kraft, national sales director of...
U.S. beef promotion efforts building momentum in Central America
U.S. beef exports to Central America have gained momentum in recent months, fueled in part by promotional activities funded by the Beef Checkoff Program. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in Central America, said BBQ Fest Costa Rica is a...
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Ethanol industry eyeing 2025 Clean Fuel Tax Credit for SAF
The ethanol industry is keeping a close eye on the pending Treasury Department Clean Fuel Tax Credit, a key for sustainable aviation fuel after a just-finished credit quickly expires. Renewable Fuels Association’s Troy Bredenkamp said the now final 45 B tax credit for...
International Longshoreman’s Association contract talks at standstill
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which represents workers at ports throughout the East and Gulf Coasts, recently canceled contract talks with terminal operators represented by the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The current five-year labor...
U.S. cattle herd contraction continues
The June USDA Cattle on Feed report was published on Friday June 21st and is considered somewhat bearish when compared to the industry’s pre-report estimates. The June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not feature any big surprises, but the placements number was up...
Gov. Reynolds requests expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa flooding
Gov. Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on June 21 and continuing. The letter requests activation of the Federal...
USDA hopes to level poultry playing field in Packers & Stockyard changes
Many lawmakers, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, have advocated for upgrades to the Packers & Stockyards Act. This bill is over a hundred years old and currently needs an upgrade for modern times. While it has been a source of geographical contention for...
