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Emergency grazing due to drought
In response to high temperatures and drought, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is authorizing emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land. So far,...
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Emergency Haying and Grazing Available Statewide Beginning August 2nd
(Des Moines, Iowa) July 27, 2012: Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John R. Whitaker announced that the emergency haying and grazing for all Iowa counties for certain practices...
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Farm vehicles hauling heavy loads this harvest season
As Iowa’s annual harvest heads to market, the Governor has signed a proclamation allowing oversized and overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover on Iowa roads. The proclamation...
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Cresco Senator congratulates artist selected to create Norman Borlaug statue
Clay model of sculpture of Norman Borlaug, designed by Benjamin Victor of South Dakota. The sculpture is expected to be completed in 2014, when it will be installed in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol...
View ArticleInvesting in Iowa passenger rail will help Iowa freight rail
On February 11, 2013, Democratic Senator Matt McCoy held a news conference on rail infrastructure at the Iowa Statehouse. Senator McCoy’s prepared remarks The purpose of this news conference is to...
View ArticleTax cut for families, small businesses and farmers
Tax cuts should focus first on helping Iowa families, farmers and small businesses. That approach is reflected in Senate File 106, which the Iowa Senate approved on February 4. This legislation updates...
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Senate budget priorities focus on expanding Iowa’s middle class
Sen. Bob Dvorsky (D-Coralville), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee DES MOINES – Leaders of the Iowa Senate today released the outline of a state budget focused on expanding Iowa’s middle...
View ArticleNominations sought for Farm Environmental Leaders
Nominations are being accepted through June 15 for the 2013 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards. The award recognizes Iowa farmers who are environmental leaders, committed to healthy soils and...
View ArticleImproving water quality in Mississippi watershed
The Mississippi River Basin Initiative is helping Iowa farmers implement conservation practices that limit nutrient runoff, improve wildlife habitat and maintain agricultural productivity. Nationally,...
View ArticleWater, Soil Are Priority of Natural Resources Budget
Iowa’s nutrient rich soils have made the state a leader in agricultural production. Problems are created, however, when erosion puts those nutrients into our lakes, rivers and streams. High levels of...
View ArticleEncouraging our next generation of farmers
Iowa’s strong agricultural heritage will continue as long as we ensure farming is a viable career for our young people. Two bills currently under consideration in the Legislature could help. House File...
View ArticleSubmit work for Agriculture Art Award
Iowa artists of all ages are invited to participate in the second annual Celebration of Iowa: Agricultural Art Award. The theme for this year’s exhibit is “Cultivating Change.” The Agriculture Art...
View ArticleLandowners invited to sign up for Conservation Reserve Program
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup is under way through June 14. The program offers producers and landowners an alternative to farming environmentally sensitive land. CRP contracts provide...
View Article2013 Legislative Session in Review
GROWING IOWA’S MIDDLE CLASS Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff June 21, 2013 (PDF of 2013 Highlights) This year, we took a comprehensive approach to creating a state where more Iowans have access...
View ArticleNew tax breaks help expand Iowa’s middle class
Iowa’s growing economy has allowed us to cut taxes while balancing the state budget and protecting local services and schools. The changes we made during the 2013 session will put more money in the...
View ArticleState Senators urge their member of Congress, Rep. Latham, to help end...
(DES MOINES) Six Iowa state senators whose legislative districts are part of U.S. Representative Tom Latham’s Congressional district have asked him to help “reopen the government and prevent a...
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Governor’s “vague, feel good” farm bill statement fails to address the...
Senator Janet Petersen (Des Moines) State Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines, a successful advocate of state help for Iowa food banks and the floor manager of a tax credit for farmers that donate...
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Paving the road to Iowa’s future
State Senator Tod Bowman by State Senator Tod Bowman, chair of the Transportation Committee in the Iowa Senate Iowa’s roads and bridges are in bad shape. That can make businesses hesitant to locate...
View ArticleDvorsky: EPA should not give into Big Oil on ethanol
Jan. 7, 2014 5:37 PM | Opinion = Iowa City Press-Citizen Written by Bob Dvorsky The Environmental Protection Agency needs to reassess its stance on ethanol. The EPA is set to change rules that could...
View ArticleStudents can take part in World Food Prize Youth Institute
The 2014 World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute is an opportunity for high school students to enhance their STEM education. To participate, students research an issue affecting world hunger and write a...
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