Rachel Cramer
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Iowa Public Radio
Groups representing farmers, solar installers and other organizations are suing the USDA after significant rule changes to the Rural Energy for America Program. They say it leaves program participants on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Screenshot of Iowa Press
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Iowa PBS
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With spring planting around the corner, Iowa farmers are facing rising costs, global uncertainty, and shifting market pressures. This episode explores how fertilizer prices, international relations and climate conditions are shaping the future of agriculture and rural economies. -
The U.S. House voted to repeal President Trump’s tariffs on Canada without support from Iowa's four Republican representatives. Canada is one of the largest agricultural trade partners with the U.S. and is a top export market for tractors and farm equipment made in Iowa. -
In a visit to Iowa, President Trump rallied Republican support ahead of the midterms and tried to appeal to voters with provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill and by asserting his support for ethanol industry priorities.
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The Iowa House voted to ban eminent domain for carbon pipelines, but the Senate has a different plan. We break down the divide and what it could mean for Iowa farmers and landowners. With IPR's Katarina Sostaric, we explore the House and Senate proposals. Two Iowa landowners share their perspective on the potential economic affect of the pipeline as well the affect on property rights. Then, Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, D-Hiawatha, and Rep. Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, explain their positions.
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A new study predicts a growing gap between the supply of corn and market demand over the next decade, which could continue to drag down corn prices. Industry leaders are pushing for year-round E15 fuel sales and policies that support emerging low-carbon fuel markets for shipping and aviation. -
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to send “bridge” payments to farmers who grow soybeans, cotton and other crops before March. Commodity groups and economists say the aid brings relief to farmers and their lenders, but they need long-term solutions.
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Contractors say they have enough local labor to detassel Nebraska’s seed corn but they’re losing work to migrant workers on H-2A visas. A 2024 law attempted to increase transparency in detasseling. -
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July allocated $170 billion for immigration enforcement, detention and deportation. Some agricultural organizations and programs have issued guidance for farmers who employ foreign workers. -
The massive legislation extends tax cuts and increases safety nets for farmers who grow commodities, like corn, wheat and rice. But deep cuts to federal food assistance spending could hurt specialty growers who benefit from programs like Double Up Food Bucks.
