IARN — Perhaps the best sector right now in terms of profitability is the cattle business. At an ag roundtable in Muscatine, Iowa, Dr. Brandon Koch of Kent Feeds said it’s a fascinating time to be involved in the beef industry from a pure numbers standpoint and an animal weight standpoint. Read more
Iowa business among semi-finalists for AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge
IARN — Farm Bureau this week named the ten semi-finalists that will compete in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Among the finalists is Appanoose Manufactured Products, which is based in Moulton, Iowa. American Farm Bureau Director of Industry Relations, Chase Hieneman, said each team of entrepreneurs will compete for startup funding. Read more
USDA Pegs Iowa Corn Yields At 200 Per Acre This Year
Des Moines, Iowa — Weather conditions have prompted the USDA to lower its prediction of corn yields in Iowa by one-and-a-half percent. Read more
Ethanol and the Grain Indemnity Fund remain top issues for Iowa corn growers
IARN — Discussing the issues surrounding crop production with Logan Lyon, District Director for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, including ethanol demand and carbon pipelines. There are always a lot of outside influences in regard to crop production far beyond what happens on the farm which is why our commodity groups like the Iowa Corn Growers Association provide great value. District Director Logan Lyon says there were some unexpected things that popped up this year. Read more
Secretary Naig announces availability of grants for urban water quality projects
IARN — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting pre-applications for cost-share grant funding to support urban conservation projects. Read more
John Deere Foundation donates $2 million to Food Bank of Iowa
IARN — Last week, the John Deere Foundation announced a $2 million gift to fund the vital expansion of the Food Bank of Iowa’s Des Moines distribution center and support its “Building Healthy Futures” capital campaign. This is on top of the nearly $270,000 in unrestricted funding that the John Deere Foundation has already provided this year to the Food Bank of Iowa. CEO Michelle Book said they are very appreciative of the incredibly generous gift. Read more