Thousands of pork producers, students and industry officials, as well as hundreds of vendors, will gather for the annual Iowa Pork Congress this week. Dal Grooms, spokeswoman for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says the event is North America’s largest winter swine trade show and conference. … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst talks about USMCA and impeachment trial
The U.S. Senate ratified the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement today, cementing a major new trade deal that's been years in the making. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, says this is a vital pact with our neighbors to the north and south and promises a tremendous boost for … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor to DC to attend signing of China trade deal
Governor Kim Reynolds is headed to Washington, D.C. to attend the signing of "phase one" of a trade deal with China. "It's a really good first step for Iowa and for Iowa farmers," Reynolds told Radio Iowa late Tuesday afternoon. Reynolds said she was invited by the Trump Administration to send … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley says Democrat impeachment delay continues holding up work
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says reports indicate the articles of impeachment could be sent from the U.S. House to the Senate very soon. By law, Grassley says the "looming" impeachment trial would force everything else in the chamber to come to a screeching halt, including action on "very … [Read more...]
Things are shaping up to be a good year for Iowa turkey growers
With ratification of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement expected soon and the lifting of a ban on U.S. exports to China, Iowa's turkey producers are expecting 2020 to be a banner year. Iowa Turkey Federation executive director Greta Irwin says new biosecurity measures are in place at all of Iowa’s … [Read more...]
Auctioneer says truck permits limiting hay transport into Iowa
The manager of an eastern Iowa auction company says the state is making it difficult for truckers to get much-needed hay into the state. Trucks transporting hay, straw, or cornstalks are often overweight and Iowa requires a permit for any truckload of hay -- which isn't the case in other Midwest … [Read more...]
State Ag Department taking comments on hemp growing rules
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the department is now taking public comments on the state’s proposed hemp production regulations. Naig says they've received a lot of questions already about industrial hemp. "I think there's been a real interest looking for additional opportunities and … [Read more...]
Iowa farmers saw lots of ups and downs in 2019
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says 2019 could be characterized as a roller coaster ride for farmers -- and not the kind you enjoy. "Certainly trade has impacted markets, we have seen some up and down in terms of renewable fuels policy. And I think the dominant issue for our farmers this year was … [Read more...]
On National Bacon Day, reflecting on Iowa’s role in bacon production
This is National Bacon Day and Iowa plays a key role in providing the 1.1 billion servings of bacon consumed in the U.S. this year. Iowa is the number one pork-producing state. Nearly one-third of the nation's hogs are raised here. According to the Iowa Pork Producers, there are about 22 million … [Read more...]
The profile of farmland owners in Iowa hasn’t changed a lot
The man who conducts the annual Iowa State survey on farmland values says many owners have been able to weather the downturn in the farm economy because they don't have to make payments on their ground. Wendong Zhang says it's something that goes with the profile of the state's residents. … [Read more...]