Author: staff

By Robin Opsahl A coalition of House lawmakers introduced a package of six bills Thursday aimed creating restrictions on the construction of a carbon capture pipeline in Iowa. Flanked by anti-pipeline activists, Reps. Charley Thomson, Helena Hayes, Mark Cisneros and Cindy Golding spoke about the legislative proposals at a news conference Thursday morning. The proposals, a total of six bills, seek to put new regulations on the Iowa Utilities Commission’s roles and oversight of pipeline projects, as well as on the exercise of eminent domain. The measures come as lawmakers seek to limit the Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed pipeline that…

By Cami Koons In a cramped Senate meeting room, Iowa senators voted 2-1 Wednesday to advance a bill that would defend pesticide companies from lawsuits based on failure to warn claims.  The same bill was put forward last year and is again supported by Bayer, which manufactures the pesticide RoundUp, and is opposed by environmental groups and the Iowa Farmers Union. Bayer has faced a series of lawsuits where plaintiffs allege the product caused their cancer, though the company maintains its product and the chemical glyphosate is not carcinogenic.  Sen. Mike Bousselot, chair of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee, said Senate Study Bill 1051 means…

By Nicolas Misculin BUENOS AIRES, Feb 5 (Reuters) – Rain on Tuesday and Wednesday brought much-needed relief to crops in Argentina’s central farming region, especially to soybeans, after high temperatures and little moisture in January, the Rosario grains exchange said. The arid climate in recent weeks led to repeated cuts to harvest forecasts. The Buenos Aires grains exchange currently estimates 49.6 million metric tons of soybeans and 49 million tons of corn in the 2024/25 harvest. Argentina is the world’s top exporter of soyoil and meal and the No. 3 corn exporter. “The rains of the last few hours in the central region were more…

By Ryan Hanrahan Reuters’ Karen Braun reported Wednesday that “most global importers last year took advantage of plentiful and cheaper U.S. bulk agricultural commodities, including soybeans and corn, the top-ticket items.” “Milestones were notched among the top U.S. bulk grain destinations in 2024 as average export prices fell by more than one-fifth versus 2023,” Braun reported. “Lower prices meant this group of commodities pulled in 5% less revenue than a year earlier, but the quantity was up significantly according to U.S. Census Bureau data published on Wednesday.” “By volume, U.S. bulk agricultural exports in 2024 surged 22% on the year,…

Grain bin entrapments continue to pose very serious dangers to farm workers across rural America. In just four seconds, an adult can sink knee-deep in flowing grain. To raise awareness of these dangers and prevent tragic accidents in grain structures, Nationwide has opened its 12th annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest in recognition of Grain Bin Safety Week. Injuries & fatalities from grain bins In 2023, at least 27 grain entrapments were reported. There were 16 fatalities (15 in 2022). More than 300 grain entrapments have been recorded in the past decade. It’s estimated an additional 30% of cases go…

The 4-H Youth in Action program recognizes young people who have benefited from their 4-H experience and are making an impact in their communities. The program provides leadership opportunities and national exposure to selected participants. Each year, four 4-H members receive the Youth in Action Award, which includes a $5,000 scholarship for higher education. The scholarship can be used for two-year and four-year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning opportunities. In addition to financial support, winners participate in a year of professional and media training, developing skills in public speaking, networking, and storytelling. They also serve as national spokespersons…

The Thursday marketplace ended higher, with March corn rising 2¢ at $4.95¼ per bushel. March Soybeans jumped 3½¢ at $10.60½ per bushel. March wheat contracts all closed higher. CBOT wheat was up 15½¢ at $5.87¾ per bushel. KC wheat rose 15¾¢ at $6.07½ per bushel. Minneapolis wheat increased 10¢ to $6.28½ per bushel. In his afternoon recap, Karl Setzer, partner at Consus Ag Consulting, said collective trade developed in a risk-off market environment. “Early week trade was quite volatile and now markets are attempting to stabilize,” he said. “Overnight rains in Argentina also weighed on early trade today, as did…

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report is due Tuesday, Feb. 11. Going into the report, here is what farmers need to know about the corn, soybean, and wheat markets, and what Grain Market Insider will be looking for in the updated balance sheets.  Corn Market Expectations January’s WASDE report offered surprisingly good news to corn and soybean bulls.  Corn carryout for 2024/2025 was lowered more than expected due to a sharp decrease in yield to 179.3 bushels per acre (bpa) from 183.1, versus expectations of 182.7 bpa. This was partially offset by lower demand estimates for…

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has named Downey Ranch in Wamego, Kansas, as the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to Barb Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. “We are stewards of the land; we’ve been entrusted with it, and we want to make sure what you see today continues on,” said Barb Downey with Downey Ranch. “What we do every day in some way, shape, or form is in service to that mission.” Located in…

Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup 6 tablespoons butter 4 large yellow onions (about 2-1/2 pounds), sliced 1 tablespoon sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 cup sherry 1 teaspoon sea salt 7 cups low-sodium beef broth 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf 8 slices French bread, cut diagonally 1/2 inch thick 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere or Provolone cheese 1/2 cup shredded Emmental or Swiss cheese 1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Heat butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Cook onions, covered, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle onions with sugar…