Washington, D.C. — It appears Tom Vilsack may serve longer as the nation’s ag secretary than he did as Iowa’s governor. Several national media outlets are reporting Vilsack is Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Farmers Are Catching Flak Over Report on Widespread Water Pollution
State wide — The leader of one of Iowa’s largest agricultural groups says some people wrongly blame farmers for the recent report that finds 750 segments of Iowa’s lakes, rivers and streams are impaired by pollution.
Hog And Cattle Prices Likely To Rise In 2021
State wide — Iowa livestock producers can expect to see rising prices for hogs and cattle in the coming year, according to an agricultural economist at the Iowa State University Extension.
SHIC: Understanding African Swine Fever at the farm-level
IARN — The Swine Health Information Center, established in 2015, strives to “protect and enhance the health of the United States swine herd.” It’s latest focus: The African Swine Fever virus (ASFV), which made its second transcontinental spread in 2007. Read more
IDALS helps guide veterinarians through Category II accreditation process
IARN — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has released an online video explaining how veterinarians licensed to practice in Iowa can obtain or renew their USDA Category II accreditation status. This is one of many steps the Department is taking to prepare for a potential foreign animal disease outbreak. Read more
Peterson unveils legislation to expand CRP to 50 million acres
IARN — In a press conference Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota announced the introduction of H.R. 8843, which makes an additional 25 million acres available over the next five years for general signup under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Instead of a cap, the bill establishes a minimum floor of 50 million CRP acres nationwide. Read more