Between international trade troubles and the continued rain that's hampering the harvest, many Iowa farmers are getting stressed. Tammy Jacobs, a coordinator with the Iowa Concern Hotline, says they've seen a slow but steady increase in the number of calls from farmers in recent months, with a 10 … [Read more...]
Drying soybeans can be risky: ‘they will burn everything up’
Many Iowa growers will be storing -- not selling -- their soybeans this harvest season, given low commodity prices and troubles with international trade. Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer Kris Kohl recommends farmers cool down the storage bin and make sure the moisture level … [Read more...]
Hard freeze and frost forecast tonight, compounding farmers’ troubles
Many Iowa farmers are frustrated as crops are starting to mold in the muddy fields, continued rain is making it impossible to harvest -- and now a hard freeze and frost are threatened. Angie Rieck Hinz, a field agronomist with the Iowa State University Extension, says it's been a challenging … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst warns oil industry will fight E15 progress
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst today said the oil industry is "already trying to undercut" the president's move toward year-round sales of gas with a higher blend of ethanol. "This has been a battle we've had for years and years and years. It was going on before I came into congress and it will continue … [Read more...]
Farmers find only a couple of dry days to harvest last week
The wet weather slowed the harvest again this week. The latest U.S.D.A. report shows there were 1.6 suitable days for fieldwork last week. The corn harvest is now 15 percent complete -- which compares to 11 percent last week. The corn harvest got started early -- and is still 10 days ahead of … [Read more...]
Iowa ethanol and corn producers react to E-15 news
Iowans who produce corn and ethanol say they are pleased with the announcement today by President Donald Trump that he has directed the EPA to move forward with the process for the year-round sale E-15. Quad County Corn Processors in Galva produces ethanol that is mixed with gas for the E-15 blend. … [Read more...]
Thousands celebrate 4-H week across Iowa
Iowans may see tractors parked outside of schools today as part of 4-H Week. More than 23,000 young Iowans take part in the program and some will show off their farm equipment to fellow students during this awareness week. J.D. Waybill is the 4-H coordinator in Hamilton County where the program … [Read more...]
Trump tells EPA to pave the way for year round E15 sales
A White House official says President Trump has ordered the EPA to set the wheels in motion for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. Currently, gasoline with 10 percent ethanol may be sold at any time of the year in the United States. The oil industry has fought to … [Read more...]
Trump reportedly will make E15 announcement in D.C. Tuesday
Advocates of corn-based ethanol expect President Donald Trump to make a major announcement about the fuel additive tomorrow. "This is something we've literally been working on for seven years. If all goes as we think it will, this is going to be a very good day," Monte Shaw, executive director of … [Read more...]
Wet weather raises concerns of mold and other problems with harvest
The continued wet weather may prove to be problematic for farmers wanting to harvest their crops. Iowa State University Extension Grain Quality Specialist, Charlie Hurburgh believes the wet conditions add a new issue to the harvest. "It's just been a difficult fall -- and now we are going to have … [Read more...]