A pickup truck ran through and split in half the grain trailer on a semi this morning sending two people to the hospital. The accident happened at the intersection of Dancer Avenue and 270th street south of Rockford just after 9 this morning. The pickup truck rested in the middle of the roadway … [Read more...]
Dispute develops in Trump Administration on trade war compensation for farmers
A top U.S.D.A. official suggests President Trump will have to referee a dispute within his administration about federal payments to partially cover farm losses due to the trade war. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Censky was in Iowa met with commodity group representatives Thursday … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst touts the passage of Farm Bill, rollback of WOTUS rules
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she is pleased to see the five-year Farm Bill passed even though there are some compromises in the bill. The Republican from Red Oak voted for the bill, while fellow Senator Chuck Grassley voted against it. "I know that Senator Grassley had his own concerns and the … [Read more...]
ISU survey shows several factors led to small drop in farmland values
The new Iowa State University Land Value Survey released today shows a small drop in land values. Iowa State University economist Wendong Zhang says values dropped just under one percent (.08). He says that puts the average value of an acre of land in the state at to $7,264. That's $62 an acre less … [Read more...]
Iowa’s two U.S. senators split vote on Farm Bill
Iowa's two U.S. Senators parted ways in Tuesday's approval of a new five-year Farm Bill. Joni Ernst voted in favor of the compromise bill, which now goes to the House. Chuck Grassley was one of just 13 Republicans voting against the bill. "It's the small and medium-sized farmers that needs the help … [Read more...]
Renewable fuels advocates defend the RFS in House hearing
Ethanol industry leaders defended the Renewable Fuels Standard at a hearing Tuesday before the House Energy Committee. At issue is the recently released draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act, which aims to sunset the RFS. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, called the RFS an … [Read more...]
Iowa Farm Bureau researcher: food wasn’t a weapon in NAFTA negotiations
A top Iowa Farm Bureau official says he's thankful Mexico didn't start a food fight during the renegotiation of NAFTA. David Miller, the IFB's director of research, notes - - unlike other countries -- Mexican trade officials did not target agricultural products when retaliating to U.S. steel and … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley doesn’t like farm payment provisions in Farm Bill
Reports that the compromise Farm Bill loosens restrictions on farm program payment eligibility are raising the ire of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. Grassley says Farm Bill negotiators have apparently adopted House provisions making it easier for nieces, nephews and cousins of farmers to become … [Read more...]
Soybean Association president optimistic about new negotiations with China
The Iowan who leads the American Soybean Association is cautiously optimistic about word of negotiations ramping-up between the U.S. and China. John Heisdorffer, of Keota, says a resolution to the trade war would brighten the holidays for America's farmers. "It's a great Christmas present for … [Read more...]
Iowa Farm Bureau celebrates 100 years at annual meeting
The Iowa Farm Bureau is marking its centennial year and opens its annual convention in Des Moines later today, which is expected to draw about a thousand members from across the state. Bureau president Craig Hill says there will be top-flight entertainment and in-depth agricultural education … [Read more...]