(IARN) — It is no secret that many celebrities use their star power to advocate for whatever cause they feel needs their attention. There was no shortage of pontification on Sunday night as the Golden Globes were handed out. While we saw the usual political statements being made, there was also an all-out attack on animal agriculture in this country. It shows that farmers need to be advocating better for themselves. Read more
Talking Hemp With Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig
(IARN) — The 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for a hemp growing program in the United States. There had been significant push in prior years to make this happen. In October of 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled their rules for how hemp production would be governed, and that states could begin submitting their applications to USDA for approval. So, where does that leave Iowa? Read more
NPPC: Impossible Pork Is Impossible
(IARN) — The National Pork Producers Council Tuesday called Impossible Foods’ naming convention for its plant-based products designed to mimic real pork a brazen violation of labeling law. Citing law that prohibits the use of words that redefine pork as consumers have known it for centuries, Dr. Dan Kovich, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council, says, “What’s impossible is to make pork from plants.” Read more
USMCA Pushes Forward, Heads To Senate Floor
(IARN) — Lawmakers have pushed forward a revised trade agreement. Read more
It’s Amazing What Can Be Accomplished When We Work Together
(IARN) — Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee marked up the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a vote of 25 – 3. This is after the House of Representatives passed the agreement at the end of 2019, by a vote of 385 – 41. Read more
Bees Being Used To Spread Biopesticides In Some Crops
(IARN) — Protecting pollinators has been an issue facing agriculture for some time. The trick is to find a way to effectively eliminate crop-destroying pests while not hurting our fuzzy friends the bees. It is a very fine line to walk. Now, a Canadian company is looking at how bees could be our allies in the fight against these unwanted pests. Read more