Madeleine Charis King
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Iowa Public Radio
Grocery stores and gas stations that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are required to offer more perishable foods and variety under a new federal rule, which went into effect Nov. 4. But retail associations, food banks and a dozen Republican U.S. senators, including Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, have warned that the timeline is too fast for small grocers and convenience store owners to comply.
Rachel Cramer
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Iowa Public Radio
Rachel Cramer
/
Iowa Public Radio
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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. -
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined plans to support cattle producers and streamline how the USDA collects and uses data at the Farm Progress Show. -
With the return of New World screwworm in the U.S., animal health experts say Iowans should carefully monitor livestock and pets and report suspicious signs. The larvae of the adult fly eat the living flesh of warm-blooded animals.
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There are a number of nonprofits operating in Iowa that are focused on giving beginning farmers access to land, education and equipment. On this episode, we hear about four of these organizations, and how they've been impacted by the sudden termination of a grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. -
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather. Now, the future of these hubs is uncertain. -
Starting Jan. 1, taxable foods and beverages in Iowa will no longer be eligible under SNAP. This includes candy, soda and sugary beverages with less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice – but also dried fruit leathers, flourless granola bars and some prepared items.
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When bird flu spilled over into dairy cattle last year, researchers discovered high concentrations of the H5N1 virus in the raw milk and udders of infected cows. A new study shows the mammary glands of other livestock and humans could also be suitable hosts for the virus. -
Congress extends critical Farm Bill for a third time. It's a relief for farmers, but raises concernsThe federal funding package to reopen the government included a one-year extension of certain 2018 Farm Bill programs. Several expired Sept. 30 or would have been null by the end of the year. -
Over 60,000 Iowans participate in WIC, which provides food assistance, nutrition education and counseling to new and expecting mothers and children under 5. The state has indicated it will maintain services, but long-term funding is uncertain.
