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Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies

Farm bill uncertainty persists as lawmakers debate key ag policies

Uncertainty surrounding the next farm bill continues as lawmakers remain divided on several key agricultural and nutrition policy issues. Members of Congress from both parties agree on the need to update farm programs, but disagreements over funding levels, nutrition assistance and regulatory provisions have slowed progress. Reuters reports key sticking points include the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, disaster aid funding and proposals to expand year-round sales of...

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Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan

Ernst backs Glen Smith, USDA restructuring plan

Another Iowan could soon be stepping into a key USDA leadership role, while the department also looks to reshape how it operates across the country. Senator Joni Ernst says Glen Smith is moving through the confirmation process for a USDA under secretary role, calling...

Feeding the Economy report shows agriculture’s impact

Feeding the Economy report shows agriculture’s impact

Each year, the Feeding the Economy Report measures the downstream, off-the-farm economic impact of U.S. agriculture. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the report tracks three layers of impact. Munch said when you combine those...

Hog inventories up in March

Hog inventories up in March

The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from USDA shows an increase in inventories. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the total number of hogs in the U.S. is up compared to this time a year ago. McConnell says hog inventories remain stable, adding that...

Ernst: 45Z must reflect Iowa farm practices

Ernst: 45Z must reflect Iowa farm practices

As federal agencies continue working through the rulemaking process for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the final guidance must reflect the work farmers are already doing on the ground. She says she and Senator Chuck Grassley have...

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Hog inventories up in March

Hog inventories up in March

The latest Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report from USDA shows an increase in inventories. USDA livestock analyst Michael McConnell says the total number of hogs in the U.S. is up compared to this time a year ago. McConnell says hog inventories remain stable, adding that...