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...]
Soybean Association leader not counting on USMCA until it is done
The president of the Iowa Soybeans Association says he was a little surprised when the announcement was made this week that a deal had been reached on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement. Tim Bardole farms near Rippey and says it is good news -- but past history dictates the celebration shouldn't … [Read more...]
ISU survey finds farmland value up slightly
The annual Iowa State University survey shows the statewide value of an acre of farmland increased by 2.3 percent and now is estimated at $7,432. Wendong Zhang conducts the survey and doesn't think it's a sign of any big upward trend. "It is an increase -- which is encouraging -- but I wouldn't … [Read more...]
Iowans see positive development on USMCA ratification
Iowa politicians, commodity groups and Iowa's business community are celebrating news of a deal that will lead to U.S. House ratification of a new trade agreement to replace NAFTA. Passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will close out 2019 with a win for farmers who've had a difficult year, … [Read more...]
Farm Bureau president says members ready to move on from tough year
The Iowa Farm Bureau opened it annual meeting today in Des Moines. IFB president Craig Hill, says farmers are looking forward to turning the page on 2019. "We've had a difficult year. One, we've had to fight Mother Nature a bit to get our seeds planted. That was a difficult time -- harvesting was … [Read more...]