Articles Tagged: USDA

Many of Iowa's top elected officials believe President Donald Trump and his choice for U.S. agriculture secretary will be a boon for farmers and biofuels production when he takes office next year.

Iowa anti-hunger advocates called on state leaders to participate in a summer federal food benefits program and raise income-eligibility requirements to fight hunger in Iowa.

President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies.

The USDA said Iowa failed to provide “compelling evidence of the potential benefits of an untested alternative model.” Gov. Kim Reynolds said Iowa will reapply for a waiver under the new Trump administration.

Also, Iowa Agriculture Secretary re-establishes advisory council eliminated by lawmakers

The comprehensive package of legislation that sets agriculture and food policy is supposed to be updated every five years. But partisan gridlock got in the way last year, forcing Congress simply to extend the 2018 bill another year. That extension expired Monday.

Revised estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture predict Iowa corn yields of 212 bushels per acre and soybean yields of 63.

Cedar Rapids’ Hy-Vee on First Avenue NE closed more than two months ago. Nonprofits are filling the gap while the city looks to find a new permanent grocer.

Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig visited Hawkeye Area Community Action Program’s Food Reservoir in Hiawatha Wednesday to discuss how the state is working to connect Iowa food banks with Iowa farmers and producers to help alleviate food insecurity.

Iowa has yet to implement large portions of a 2023 law that established new requirements and regular checks for Iowans receiving public assistance benefits to determine their eligibility.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, a former Iowa Democratic governor, held an “Investing in America” town hall Thursday in North Liberty where he highlighted efforts by President Joe Biden’s administration to create additional income opportunities for producers and entrepreneurs.

The National Animal Disease Center in Ames is the place where scientists are pushing to solve the bird flu outbreak currently spreading through U.S. animals — and develop ways to stop it.

Iowa has not had a confirmed new infection since late June.

Food insecurity in Iowa has put growing pressure and strain on food banks and pantries across the state.

The Philadelphia resident searched online and found SE Iowa Country Puppies in Lee County. She put down a $250 deposit on a male papitese born Dec. 15 and waited until he was old enough to leave his mother. Within a week of delivery, the puppy died.