Iowa farmer says crop conditions “excellent” in his area

A southwest Iowa farmer says crop conditions have been strong at the start of the growing season. Ray Gaesser raises soybeans and corn near Corning and says he finished planting earlier this month. “Most of the fields are clean around here. Some of the corn is approaching five-leaf already, at least four-leaf anyway. That’s way…Continue Reading

FARMER Act, back in the Senate, could strengthen safety net

Legislation has been reintroduced in the US Senate could strengthen crop insurance for farmers and provide more flexibility to risk management programs. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas says the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act is a major step towards ensuring the ag safety next remains intact. “Comp insurance is what allows the…Continue Reading

NCBA says a domestic sterile fly production facility is needed

The CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says a domestic male sterile fly production facility is needed to combat New World screwworm. Colin Woodall says the current facility, located in Panama, can’t meet the industry’s needs. “We’re going to have to have at least double that production, if not more,” he says.  He says…Continue Reading

Illinois ag looking to build Mexico partnership

The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says maintaining a strong relationship with Mexico is vital for the state’s top industry. Jerry Costello says agriculture relies on strong trading partnerships. “We exported a little over $1.5 billion in corn to Mexico last year, so they are a major major trading partner.”  He says, “We…Continue Reading

Iowa Senate passes carbon pipeline, eminent domain legislation

The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would make it harder for companies to use eminent domain for carbon pipelines. State senators voted 27-22 Monday to send the bill to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk for signature.  Bill supporter Jeff Taylor, a Republican from Sioux Center, says the legislation requires more insurance for carbon pipelines.…Continue Reading

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