News Archives
Biogas producers, EPA square off in DC Circuit
Attorneys for EPA and biogas producers faced skeptical questions from a panel of D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals judges in arguments today involving EPA’s authority to regulate the industry under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Vélez is a leader in genetic technology to contain corn rootworm
Husker scientist Ana Maria Vélez is pioneering a genetic technology to contain the western corn rootworm, which annually causes up to $2 billion in yield loss and control costs in the Corn Belt. The research seeks to contain agricultural pests by targeting rootworm genes.
New report looks at Ohio agricultural land lost to development
When it comes to farmland losses in Ohio, the three metropolitan areas of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, not surprisingly, lead the way.

USDA issues order requiring testing before dairy cattle can move interstate
The USDA has issued a Federal Order requiring lactating dairy cattle to test negative for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza prior to interstate movement.

India trade trip sparks optimism among U.S. ag leaders
Federal and state agricultural officials are expressing optimism about future trade with India, a country with a relatively young population and a growing middle class.

USDA study finds energy production payments to farmers important to farm income
Energy-related payments to farmers for oil, natural gas and wind production have continued to be a significant form of farm income and vary widely depending on where farmers operate, according to a new study by USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS).

Growth Energy cheers new Nebraska SAF credit
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, celebrated legislation signed Wednesday by Governor Jim Pillen that will speed investment in Nebraska’s production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Dry fields contribute to damage by alfalfa weevils, says K-State entemologist
Dry conditions in north central Kansas and other areas have contributed to the relative damage caused by alfalfa weevils in the state’s crop, according to Kansas State University crop entomologist Jeff Whitworth.

FDA finds fragments of HPAI virus in pasteurized milk samples
There is another twist in the investigation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows.

La Nina transition could bring moisture to Corn Belt
An atmospheric scientist says the transition to the La Nina weather pattern is underway.

Biden-Harris Administration announces new school meal standards to strengthen child nutrition
Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced major steps to promote the health of America’s children through school meals.

Soybean gall midge spreading in Midwest
Soybean gall midge is appearing about 10 days earlier than usual in Nebraska crops, says University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension crop protection and cropping systems specialist Justin McMechan.

Produce groups say EU's proposed plastic packaging regulations would impact food safety
Fresh produce growers and exporters are worried proposed plastic packaging regulations advancing globally will have a tremendous consequence on food safety and waste, and are pushing for some policies to be scaled back.

12% of U.S. corn, 8% of soybeans planted
Farmers made corn and soybean planting progress over the past week, despite cooler, wetter weather in some key growing areas.

Summit Carbon Solutions sued by pipe supplier in contract dispute
Steel pipe manufacturer Welspun Tubular LLC is suing carbon pipeline company Summit Carbon Solutions for $15 million for allegedly breaching a purchase agreement for $182.5 million worth of pipe.

Tick-borne illness has been discovered in cattle herds in 9 states
A tick-borne disease known as Theileria orientalis (ikeda) has been detected in several counties in Missouri. This marks the ninth state where this protozoal organism, first discovered in the U.S. in 2017, has been found.

Biden-Harris Administration invests in clean energy and domestic biofuels to strengthen American farms and small businesses
In honor of Earth Day 2024, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding more than 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.

Daisy Brand to invest $626.5 million in Iowa expansion
Governor Kim Reynolds recently announced that Daisy Brand LLC, the leading manufacturer and largest brand of sour cream and cottage cheese in the U.S., is expanding its operations to Boone, Iowa.

EPA issues emergency E15 waiver for summer
The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency waiver to allow E15 to be sold this summer.

Top House Ag Democrat accuses GOP of pushing partisan farm bill
The top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee on Friday accused the panel’s majority Republicans of “abandoning bipartisanship” to push through a farm bill next month that will include restrictions on nutrition assistance and the Commodity Credit Corporation that are unacceptable to Democrats.

Attorney General Bird sues Biden EPA to block electric vehicle mandate
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today joined a 25-state lawsuit to block Biden’s latest electric vehicle mandate and stand up for Americans who drive gas and diesel-powered cars and trucks.

Farmers call on FTC to halt Iowa fertilizer plant sale to Koch Industries
Lina Kahn, the chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, appeared to listen intently as farmers told her why her agency should step in and block the $3.6 billion sale of an Iowa nitrogen fertilizer plant to Koch Industries.

Warmest winter ever means low mortality for bean leaf beetle
Bean leaf beetle adults are susceptible to cold weather, and most will die if exposed to air temperatures below 14°F. However, they avoid harsh temperatures by burrowing under plant debris and loose soil.

April 1 Cattle on Feed report expected to be neutral to market
Friday's April 1 USDA Cattle on Feed report isn't expected to ruffle the market's feathers and send the complex tumbling lower. However, it is unnerving to note the increase in total on-feed numbers amid weaker marketings as, seasonally, this can become problematic for the industry, as showlists naturally grow larger over the summer.

Biden administration taps CCC for $1B in foreign food aid
The Biden administration on Thursday announced plans to use USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation spending authority to provide $1 billion in additional food assistance overseas, a move requested by leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee last year.

Senators continue to urge Biden administration to prioritize E-15
A member of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says expanding the use of E-15 sends important signals to consumers and the energy industry.

BLM rule threatens multiple use management of public lands
On Thursday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) expressed serious concerns about the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule that reimagines the agency’s requirements to manage lands for multiple uses, including livestock grazing.
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Growing the CHS grain supply chain
CHS has signed an intent to purchase agreement for eight grain assets in five states from Cargill. With this purchase, CHS aims to continue optimizing its enterprise supply chain while providing market access and end-to-end value to owners.


