 |
Legislative Report - Week 4
Compiled by Jill Altringer, ISA contract lobbyist
Freezing rain, sleet, and snow fell in Des Moines last week, but that didn’t keep lawmakers from tackling some tough issues as they wrapped up the first month of the 2011 legislative session.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Branstad Budget a 'Mixed Bag' for Agriculture
Last week Gov. Terry Branstad presented his proposed budget featuring large budget cuts. His proposal keeps the general fund part of the ag budget at about $16.8 million for the next fiscal year, roughly the same as the budget for the present fiscal year. A bigger change comes in conservation funding.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Iowa Corn and Soybean Farmers Launch CommonGround
In a uniquely mom-driven campaign, farm women from across the country are talking to other women about food production, food safety and farm life. Iowa is a pilot state for CommonGround, a joint project of the National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board that showcases what farm families and the consumers of the food they grow have in common.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Iowa Hosts 'Lead Out Loud'
This week the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Young Farmers Committee have sponsored a series of three meetings around the state, featuring South Dakota ranchers Troy and Stacy Hadrick, whose presentation is titled “Lead Out Loud.”
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Agronomic Tip of the Week
by Elwynn Taylor, ISU agricultural meteorologist
We hear that El Niño and La Niña impact Midwest weather. The current La Niña is strong, right up there with the top four of the past 100 years.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
ISA Kicks Off New Initiative for Membership
ISA has recently kicked off a new membership initiative with the theme, The Right Connections. Right Tools. Right Now. Winners from across Iowa will receive a rolling tool chest filled with a complete set of Craftsman Mechanics Tools and also be entered to win one of four $500 Craftsman Tool shopping sprees.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Iowa Ag Secretary Northey Keynotes 2011 On-Farm Network Conference
Iowa Ag Secretary and farmer Bill Northey will kick off the 2011 Iowa Soybean Association On-Farm Network® Conference on Feb. 22 in Ames, with a discussion of grower efforts to improve fertilizer management practices.The conference will also feature educational sessions on topics studied by On-Farm Network participating farmers.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
USB Website has a New Look!
The United Soybean Board (USB) has announced that it has taken a bold step late to share more of what the checkoff does to support U.S. soybean farmer profit opportunities. This step has taken the main USB website through a process to refresh its design—so the site looks significantly different as of Monday, Feb. 7, 2011.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
Importance of Egypt as Soy Importer
Egypt has been a growing importer of soybeans, soymeal, and vegoils. As supporters and opponents of President Mubarak battle in the streets, the disruptions of the Egyptian economy may have a significant impact on demand for soymeal and soybean oil.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
China Prepares for 'Severe, Long-Lasting Drought'
Chinese officials said Wednesday they were preparing for a severe, long-lasting drought in several parched provinces, causing wheat prices to spike on the prospect of the world's largest consumer putting pressure on a global supply that's already squeezed.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
USDA to Measure the Financial Health
of Agriculture
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Iowa Field Office is contacting 2,000 Iowa farm operators for the 2011 Agricultural Resource Management Survey. NASS states that this is an opportunity for farmers to set the record straight about issues that affect their business.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
 |
ISA to Award Up to $15,000 in Scholarships
ISA is looking for qualified candidates to apply for its agriculture scholarships. ISA will award up to $15,000 this year through the ISA Ag Scholarship Program; it will be presented in as many as ten $1,500 scholarships to capable high school seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field.
To learn more, click here.
|
|
