Many Iowa pork producers are facing significant troubles due to the pandemic, as are many of Iowa's restaurants, and a new promotion aims to help both groups. Kelsey Sutter, the spokeswoman for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says they're launching what's being called the Iowa Pork Crawl … [Read more...]
After years of work, new Iowa law boosts animal abuse penalties
A new state law that took effect yesterday enhances the penalties for those caught abusing, neglecting or torturing pets. The law makes it easier for prosecutors to pursue these cases. A person convicted of seriously injuring or killing a pet could be sentenced to up to two years in prison. A … [Read more...]
Beef Industry Council guide lists producers who sell direct to customers
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) recently launched a local beef directory to connect farmers who sell beef directly to consumers. IBC spokesperson, Casey Allison, says the directory was developed as people started getting more interested in the origins of what they're eating. "What we've … [Read more...]
Senate approves pandemic-related liability protection for businesses
Senate Republicans have sent the governor a bill that will shield health care facilities, businesses and other organizations from most lawsuits over conditions related to COVID-19. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny said "bad actors" won't get liability protection if they've failed … [Read more...]
Lawmakers approve tougher penalties for trespassing in livestock confinements, packing houses
The legislature has passed another bill that toughens penalties for those who trespass at a "food operation," including livestock confinements and meat packing plants. "It's a pretty simple concept," Representative Jarad Klein, a Republican from Keota said. "It doesn't mean you can't go up and … [Read more...]
State program provides funding for disposing of hogs that can’t go to packing plants
The Iowa Department of Agriculture has launched a program to help pork producers deal with hogs they can't take to market after coronavirus shutdowns at packing plants. Ag Secretary Mike Naig says it's something no producer wants to deal with. "Farmers are doing everything they can to avoid … [Read more...]
Iowa officials confirm COVID-19 outbreaks at two Perdue Farms plants
State officials today confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks at pork processing facilities in northwest Iowa. A spokesperson for the company says the testing was done three weeks ago, on the 4th and 5th of May. A previous company statement indicated 425 people were tested and less than 20% tested … [Read more...]
Small Iowa lockers now able to sell meat across state lines
The Iowa Department of Agriculture says an agreement that is designed to help small-size meat processing facilities is moving ahead. Iowa Ag Secretary, Mike Naig, says it involved lockers with fewer than 25 employees. "We've got a new cooperative interstate shipment program that will allow them … [Read more...]
Farmers may apply next week for a new batch of federal payments
Some Iowa farmers could get checks in June as the U.S.D.A. implements the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, as up to $16 billion dollars is set aside for direct payments to farmers. "These payments will compensate farmers for losses related to the global pandemic," President Trump said today … [Read more...]
Pandemic leaves producers with little to celebrate during ‘Beef Month’
May is recognized is "Beef Month," and with Memorial Day approaching -- it's also considered the start of the summer grilling season -- but the coronavirus pandemic has put a damper on things. Cattle feeder Craig Anderson of rural Merrill says the slowdown in production at plants has led to a … [Read more...]