IARN — A new study by university economists finds ethanol producers will experience roughly $8 billion in losses this year due to the pandemic’s impact on world fuel markets. The study, conducted by economists from the University of Florida and Arizona State University, was published recently in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Industrial Organization. The estimated economic loss grows to a range of $7.9 to $8.6 billion when unemployment effects are included. The study acknowledges that those estimates likely “understate the cost of COVID-19” to the ethanol industry because the impact of the pandemic on co-product output, demand and prices is not included. Read more
Consumer expectations change as pandemic enters a new season
IARN — The Consumer Brands Association’s latest COVID-19 poll asked more than 1,300 American adults about their opinions on the coronavirus and its effect on the country. The data shows a country normalized by a persistent threat and contending with growing anxiety over what’s ahead. When the pandemic began, 36 percent of Americans described themselves as “very concerned” in mid-March, which jumped up to a majority quickly after and has yet to dip below 50 percent since. While most Americans, 72 percent, are still optimistic about the next six months, that optimism has dipped slightly since June, from 76 percent. Read more
Pork & Beef Production Almost Back To Pre-Pandemic Levels
Statewide Iowa — Shoppers looking for their favorite cuts of meat should soon see plenty of them. Beef and pork production are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels after disruptions this spring when outbreaks of COVID-19 sent workers home and meat plants cut production. Read more
Best Burger award goes to Twisted Tail in Beebeetown
IARN — A winner has been declared for the 2020 Best Burger Contest in Iowa. Read more
Harvest progress picking up, USDA says
IARN — Harvest progress has picked up some steam over the last week, according to USDA. Read more
Serving Those Who Served raises $67,000 for post-9/11 vets
IARN — Wyffels Hybrids launched its Serving Those Who Served initiative at last year’s Farm Progress Show. Jill Loehr, Wyffels Hybrids communications manager, says this initiative “goes back to Wyffels Hybrids’ service oriented mindset.” Read more