Local, State & Ag News
Spring prep slowed by snowstorm
A western Wisconsin farmer says preparations for spring are going well, despite last weekend’s blizzard. Shane Goplin says, “With two feet of snow, that kind of puts a delay in
New NIFA grants address emerging pest and disease threats
The director of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) says the agency is working to strengthen the nation’s ability to quickly identify and respond to biological risks
Fertilizer prices rising as global tensions disrupt nitrogen supply
An ag economist says tensions in the Middle East are causing global supply disruptions for nitrogen fertilizers. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says prices have increased more than 30
Environmental group backs ownership plan at former Palo nuke plant
An environmental advocacy group is supporting early steps in the potential restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, though the Natural Resources Defense Council has never before backed
Rice export sales surge as beef drifts to a marketing year low
The USDA is reporting a strong week for U.S. rice export sales. During the week ending March 12th, Japan picked up more than half of the weekly rice sales total
Bill to legalize psilocybin treatments in Iowa clears committee
A Senate committee has voted to legalize the use of psilocybin, also known as “magic mushrooms,” as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Senator Dennis Guth, a Republican from Klemme, said
Market for older cows continues to find strength
The owner of one of the largest sale barns in the country says the demand for older cows remains strong. Jackie Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards says prices for bred
Cover crops reduce herbicide costs, improve weed control
Ag economist and farmer Alan Weber says planting cereal rye in the fall ahead of soybean planting has helped manage herbicide resistant weeds in the next growing season. “Marestail, waterhemp
Ag lender stresses risk management amid market swings and high input costs
An agriculture lender says ongoing volatility in the commodity markets and high inputs are creating a greater need for risk management. Barry Benson, senior vice president with First National Bank
ACE urges action on E15 as fuel prices surge amid Middle East tensions
There’s no shortage of policy issues to discuss with lawmakers as the American Coalition for Ethanol conducts its annual D.C. fly-in this week. ACE CEO Brian Jennings says members are
