Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

A Vietnamese delegation signed five memoranda of understanding to purchase more U.S. soy, corn, pork and other agricultural products at the Iowa State Capitol Monday. The non-binding agreements come among ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Vietnam.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is awarding nearly $2.7 million in matching grants to 14 projects this year. One of the sites is Legacy Woods Nature Sanctuary, a new development in West Des Moines.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig applauded the USDA’s updated response to bird flu, emphasizing that poultry producers in the state have been hit hard by the H5N1 virus. Over 11 million chickens and turkeys in Iowa were killed by the virus or culled to prevent its spread last year.

The Farm Bill has been extended for a year as part of a legislative package that prevented a federal government shutdown. While some ag groups applauded the bipartisan measure, many are urging Congress to pass a new Farm Bill next year.

One conservationist says the Deep Creek Water Quality Initiative is making an impact, but more work needs to be done.

Mike Naig has won reelection to a new 4-year term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture per a call made by The Associated Press.

A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a backyard flock of 48 birds in Dallas County. It’s the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Iowa since May and the 20th this year.

The highly pathogenic avian flu is driving up egg prices and tightening the supply for Iowa’s egg producers.