Two cities in Iowa have submitted proposals to the U.S.D.A. as the agency considers new locations for the headquarters of the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. According to Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the proposals … [Read more...]
After snow and rain, farmers finally getting chance to combine corn and beans
Some farmers in northern Iowa are finally getting back into their fields this week. Monday's U.S.D.A. crop report showed Iowa's soybean harvest at 19%, which is 11 days behind the average. April Hemmes -- who farms near Hampton -- said Tuesday she was still waiting to start harvesting soybeans. … [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...]
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...]
Senator Ernst says new Farm Bill may emerge in lame duck session
Republican Senator Joni Ernst says she's still hopeful a group of negotiators can agree on a new Farm Bill, but she says that may not happen until after next month's election. Ernst is the only Iowan on the congressional committee trying to come up with a compromise. The 2014 Farm Bill expired … [Read more...]
Harvest remains slightly ahead of schedule even with weather delays
The harvest remains ahead of schedule in Iowa despite rainy weather. The latest U.S.D.A. crop report says with all the rain farmers only had about three days last week that were suitable for fieldwork. But the harvest that got started early is still ahead of the normal pace. The report finds 11% … [Read more...]
Reynolds and Naig say USMCA trade deal a positive step
Republican office-holders in Iowa are celebrating this weekend's break-through on a deal that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. President Trump calls it the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. Governor Kim Reynolds says she's thrilled the stalemate has been broken. "Canada and … [Read more...]
Taiwan officials pledge to increase U.S. soybean imports by 37 percent
Officials from Taiwan and the Iowa Soybean Association gathered in the Iowa Capitol today for a ceremony to celebrate Taiwan's agreement to buy $1.5 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over the next 24 months. "Today's announcement by our Taiwanese trading partners to increase purchases of U.S. soybeans … [Read more...]
President Trump heading to Iowa next week, E15 announcement expected
President Donald Trump says he's coming to Iowa soon to make an announcement. Sources tell Radio Iowa Trump will be in Council Bluffs on October 9 and he's likely to announce the EPA will allow year-round sale of gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol blend. Trump mentioned his upcoming trip to … [Read more...]
Taiwan to purchase soybeans from Iowa and Minnesota
A ceremony will be held at the Iowa Capitol early this afternoon to formalize Taiwan's purchase of nearly four million metric tons of soybeans from Iowa and Minnesota. The trade delegation from Taiwan signed documents in Washington, D.C. Thursday and made stops in Iowa this weekend. On Sunday, they … [Read more...]