With gasoline prices falling, ethanol producers across Iowa are seeing their profits fall, too, and industry leaders say the timing couldn't be worse. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says international trade feuds and reduced travel due to coronavirus are … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor, farmers urge Trump to let pro-ethanol court ruling stand
Governor Kim Reynolds is again lobbying President Trump and his Administration on ethanol policy. The EPA has signaled it will appeal a court ruling that sided with the ethanol industry and against some of the EPA's waivers that let small oil refineries skip blending ethanol into gasoline. "We … [Read more...]
Lawmakers lament urban sprawl on Iowa farmland
A bill that would prohibit Iowa cities from annexing most farmland has cleared initial review in the Iowa House, but bill backers say it needs major adjustments and is unlikely to meet Friday's deadline for committee action. Kevin Kuhle, a lobbyist for the Iowa Farm Bureau lobbyist, called the … [Read more...]
ISU report finds cost to plant crops will be less in 2020
An Iowa State University report finds it will cost less to plant some crops this spring. Report author Alejandro Plastina says that includes the state's two major crops. He says the cost of production will decline anywhere from three to four percent for both corn and soybeans. He says some of the … [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...]
IRFA seeks 66% boost in grants for E15 pump installation
Just ten percent of gas stations in Iowa have pumps that will dispense the higher blend of ethanol that's now cleared nationally for sale year-round. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is asking state officials for a 66 percent increase in the total amount of state "cost-share" grant money that's … [Read more...]
Pork Producers focus on prep for potential ASF outbreak
Iowa Pork Producers are urging lawmakers to continue taxpayer support of facilities and programs designed to respond to an outbreak of African swine fever here. The association's Drew Mogler testified at a public hearing in the governor's office last week. "Iowa Pork is very appreciative of the … [Read more...]
Iowans made last-ditch RFS pitch at White House
A northwest Iowa farmer who was at the White House earlier this week says he's disappointed President Trump has failed to uphold the renewable fuels deal he agreed to in September. "It is pretty upsetting to American farmers and rural America," said Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a farmer from … [Read more...]
Uproar from Iowa over EPA’s Renewable Fuels announcement
There's strong, negative reaction from Iowa politicians and the state's biofuels industry to today's EPA decision on the Renewable Fuels Standard. "Unfortunately, President Trump turned his back on providing certainty for farmers and instead granted EPA the leeway to do what they want in the … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers pushing to bring back biodiesel tax credit
Republican Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is joining with House Democrats Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer in working to revive national biodiesel tax credits. The tax credits would be extended 5 years under amendments being added to what are referred to as the year-end tax extenders legislative … [Read more...]