ASF Makes First Appearance In Indonesia; Growing Outbreak In Poland

(IARN) — The African Swine Fever (ASF) virus continues its relentless march across Asia. Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture confirms the country’s first outbreak of the virus in the far northwest part of the multi-island nation. The confirmation came on December 12 and wasn’t unexpected as increasing reports of pig deaths have come from that area, as well as several others, since late September. Read more


Iowa DOT To Run B100 In 10 Des Moines Snowplows This Winter

Des Moines, Iowa — (IARN) — Biofuels have had their challenges this year, but they are still pushing the limits of what we thought possible just a few years ago. Science is finding ways to get the most out of biofuels while reducing our dependence on foreign oil and helping the environment. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) has long been a supporter of biofuels and is going to be running a fleet of ten Des Moines snowplows on B100 blend. Read more


Applications Open For 2020 Iowa Watershed Awards

Statewide Iowa — (IARN) — Do you know an outstanding watershed coordinator in Iowa? These dedicated professionals are key players in advancing and implementing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) and Water Quality Initiative (WQI). The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) wants your help in recognizing these individuals. Read more


How “Moneyball” Ties Into Farming

Omaha, Nebraska — (IARN) — American and Canadian growers convened in Omaha, Nebraska last week for Farmer2Farmer V, hosted by Farmers Business Network (FBN). Read more


Farm Credit Administration: Expect Low Crop Prices In 2020

Washington, D.C. — (IARN) — A quarterly report to the Farm Credit Administration last week suggests commodity prices will mostly remain low next year. The report cites large global supplies of crops in storage, saying that will limit attractive price opportunities for U.S. farmers. For the next three years, soybean prices are projected at roughly $8.50 a bushel, with corn at $3.70 a bushel. Read more