IARN — The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced $11.5 million for research to ensure small and medium-sized farms become more profitable. Announced on National Ag Day, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the funding “will give these family farms the tools they need to be more sustainable, profitable and productive as they face agricultural and economic challenges. Read more
Livestock producers eye Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report
IARN — Livestock producers are gearing up for Thursday’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from the USDA.
Steve Meyer is a consulting economist for the National Pork Board. He says there are several things producers will be keeping an eye on in the report, especially market herd size. Read more
Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year nominations now open
IARN — For a fourth straight year, the American Farm Bureau Federation is celebrating farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across the country. Read more
Ernst introduces Executive Branch Emissions Transparency Act
IARN — Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has introduced new legislation that would create a publicly accessible database documenting the carbon emissions associated with all fossil fuel-powered travel by the president, vice president, and executive branch political appointees. Read more
White House proclamation on National Ag Day
IARN — To celebrate National Ag Day on Tuesday, March 23, the White House issued a proclamation regarding the value of agriculture to the country. Read more
New Grants Considered For Meat Lockers, More Training For Butchers
Des Moines, Iowa — A bill that has cleared initial review in the Iowa House has the goals of expanding custom meat processing in Iowa AND training more people how to property butcher beef, pork and other meats. Read more