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Sen. Grassley to question Sec. Vilsack on passage of Farm Bill

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The U-S Senate Agriculture Committee will hold an oversight hearing tomorrow (Wednesday) on the U-S-D-A at which U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to testify. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says one key focus of the hearing will be on how to prompt Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to get moving on a vital piece of legislation that’s especially significant for Iowa. “The line of questioning is going to go along the lines of what we can do to get a Farm Bill passed,” Grassley says, “and what he’s doing to encourage Schumer to bring a Farm Bill up and I’m sure he’s going to open with that very subject.”

Typically updated every five years, a new Farm Bill didn’t materialize last year, and Congress passed a one-year extension which will last through this fall. Grassley says Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, knows how crucial the legislation is for Iowa’s farmers and the state’s economy. “I don’t know whether he can do much about it,” Grassley says, “but his voice is very important in encouraging the president to get Schumer to bring up the Farm Bill.”

Grassley says he also wants to question Vilsack about the Commodity Credit Corporation. Grassley, a Republican, says the agency is being used as a “slush fund” to pay for a lot of things of which Congress didn’t approve. “The original legislation setting up the Commodity Credit Corporation is loosely written,” Grassley says, “and I’m sorry to say that not only this secretary of agriculture has abused it, but the Trump secretary of agriculture, abused it as well, as well as President Trump even abusing it.”

The C-C-C was created in the 1930s and is designed to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices. Grassley co-sponsored a bill last year, saying the corporation was “at risk of becoming a slush fund for politically-driven pet projects.” He says the U-S-D-A Spending Accountability Act would save some eight-billion dollars over ten years.

Purchase of Iowa fertilizer plant by Koch raises worries about monopoly

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Koch (coke) Industries has announced a three-point-six billion dollar deal to buy a fertilizer plant in southeast Iowa, and some ag leaders fear it could create a monopoly. The purchase of the Iowa Fertilizer Company in Lee County still awaits federal review. Jason Sporrer is a sales manager for a co-op that serves western Iowa. He says when the fertilizer company opened in 2017, it brought more competition to the marketplace.

“Some of that now is going by the wayside, in my opinion,” Sporrer says. Democrats in the Iowa statehouse also have questions about the acquisition. They want federal and state regulators to investigate the impact consolidation would have on prices and the 260 employees of the facility in Wever. Iowa State University economics professor Chad Hart says four of the top producers control 80-percent of fertilizer production.

Hart says, “I think that always puts up what’s called yellow caution lights within the sector about, okay, are we truly maintaining the competitive balance there or not?” Hart says the war in Ukraine led to major swings in fertilizer pricing. A U-S-D-A spokesperson says when dominant middlemen control so much of the fertilizer supply chain, producers, and consumers “bear the brunt.”

Bill bolsters Iowa law banning foreign ownership of agland

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 27th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds says American farmland needs to remain in American hands and she will quickly sign one of the first bills to clear the 2024 legislature. The bill closes a loophole that could let foreigners or foreign governments be investors in limited liability companies or involved in trusts that acquire Iowa farmland. The bill requires agland purchase reports filed with the state to include more information about ownership structures.

Republican Representative Derek Wulf, a farmer from Hudson, says purchasers will also have to file a complete list of all their landholdings in the United States. “Chinese nationals are buying farmland near military bases. They’re looking to steal our intellectual property from our seed and genetic companies. They’re trying to steal our livestock practices and advancements learned through generations of agriculturalists — and these are only some of the few things they’re doing. They’re coming for our way of life and, quite frankly folks, this needs to end,” Wulf said, pounding his desk on the House floor to emphasize his comments.

Representative J.D. Scholten, a Democrat from Sioux City, says now’s the time to act, because food security is national security. “With the average age of a farmer north of 58 years old, we’re going to see the largest amount of farmland transfer in Iowa’s history in the next 10-15 years, according to Iowa State University,” Scholten said. “Nationally, foreign ownership of American farmland is larger than equivalent of the entire state of Ohio and growing.”

The bill ensures Iowa’s attorney general has subpoena powers to investigate agland purchases and it significantly increases the penalty for any violations. Under current law, foreign entities caught owning more than 320 acres of Iowa farmland face a two-thousand dollar fine. The bill raises the fine to 25 percent of the assessed value of the land.

Oathoudt Farm Supply in Atlantic is proud to support Atlantic FFA

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

Each year Oathoudt Farm Supply and the CRYSTALYX® Cares program pick a school in the area to give a donation to, and this year Atlantic FFA was selected.  Jason Oathoudt said,  “CRYSTALYX® Cares program is ideal for rural livestock communities that is designed to assist youth or community groups raise funds to expand their educational opportunities.”

Photo credit: CRYSTALYX® Cares program
Left to Right: Joaquin Wailes, Jason Oathoudt, Colton Rudy, Wyatt

How the program works is that for every CRYSTALYX® barrel sold by a Hubbard Feeds dealership during the months of September and October, CRYSTALYX® would donate $2 per barrel to a youth or community group selected by the dealer. Oathoudt Farm Supply was enrolled in this program resulting in a donation check to Atlantic FFA.

We want to thank everyone from the community of Oathoudt Farm Supply for their support of buying barrels so Atlantic FFA could receive a donation to their chapter.  Atlantic FFA Treasurer Roth Den Beste said, “Thank you to Oathoudt Farm Supply for their generous donation.  Without support from local businesses, our FFA chapter would not be as successful as it is.”

– article provided

Secretary Naig Leads Trade Mission to Mexico

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

February 26, 2024 (DES MOINES) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a delegation of farmers and other agricultural industry leaders just returned from a trade mission to Mexico that was held February 18-24. The mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), was focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agricultural goods.

“Because of the incredible productivity of Iowa farmers and favorable free trade agreements, we have an opportunity to supply customers here and around the world. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, and dried distillers grains as well as a significant market for soybeans, soybean meal, beef and ethanol,” said Secretary Naig. “By leading strategic trade missions to both established and emerging markets, we’re able to thank our customers for their past business, strengthen existing relationships and discover new business opportunities. All of this will create even more market demand for Iowa’s high quality, safe, consistent and reliable agriculture products.”

Iowa companies exported $4.2 billion in goods to Mexico in 2023, a new record for Iowa exports to Mexico. Mexico is Iowa’s largest export destination for corn, pork, distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, and second for soybeans. Iowa exported $973 million in corn, $706 million in pork and $392 million in soybeans to Mexico in 2023. Mexico was the second largest export market for U.S. exporters in 2023, with overall total exports valued at $323 billion.   Specific to top agricultural products, Mexico purchased $28.5 billion – a record. (Source: WiserTrade)

Mission participants included members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and IEDA staff. Delegates participated in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting, and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. To learn more about these services or other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit iowaeda.com/missions.

Atlantic FFA Competes at Sub Districts

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

by Lily Johnson, Atlantic FFA Reporter

On Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, 18 members of the Atlantic FFA chapter competed in the Sub District Career Development Events at Tri-Center High School.

Extemporaneous Speaking Lola Comes

Earning a Gold rating, placing 1st and advancing to Districts, was Claire Pellett competing in Public Speaking and Lola Comes earning a gold and

Public Speaking Claire Pellett

placing 2nd in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Also advancing to Districts, the Conduct of Meetings Team placed 3rd and earned a Silver. Team members include Addie Freund, Addalyn Sonntag, Rylee Harlan, Jacquie Freund, Lily Johnson, Collin Harris and Maddy Anderson. Charli Goff placed first earning a Silver in Arc/Wire welding. Keegan Kemp also placed first with a Silver in Oxy Acetylene Welding. Lauren Comes competed in Ag Sales earning a Gold and was selected as the Alternate for Districts.

Conduct of meetings (Left to right) Addalynn Sonntag, Lily Johnson, Rylee Harlan, Collin Harris, Addie Freund, Maddy Anderson, and Jacquie Freund.

Arc/Wire welding Charli Goff

Competing but not going to district includes Bailey Grieshaber in Ag broadcasting earning a silver. Callee Pellett in Job interview receiving a silver. Chapter program consisting of Hayden Kleen, Frank Freund, and Keston Schmidt earning a bronze.

Oxy Acetylene welding Keegan Kemp

Competing in the Farm Business Management Test was Mia Kloewer placing 10th.

In the FFA Chapter Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 8 members participate.  Earning a gold were Lily Johnson placing 1st, and Addie Freund 5th. Receiving silvers were Keston Schmidt, Natalie Smith, Hunter Quist, Frank Freund, and Claire Schroeder. Earning a bronze was Hayden Kleen.

In the FFA Freshman Greenhand Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 10 members participate. Earning a Gold was Jayden Fiebelkorn. Receiving silvers were Jacquelyn Freund, Rylee Harlan, Addalyn Sonntag, Collin Harris, Maggie Cohrs, Lily Willrich, and Kayedance Sturm. Receiving Bronze include Walker Gary.

Claire, Lola, Keegan, Charli and the Conduct of Meeting team will compete at District FFA Convention Saturday March 2nd in Clarinda.  Lauren will also run for SW District Secretary.

Atlantic High School celebrates National FFA Week

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Jim Field

National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday. This year, the week kicked off on Feb. 18 and ended on Saturday, Feb. 24  National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization’s role in developing future leaders in agriculture and the importance of agricultural education.

FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the nation’s top school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by encouraging members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in various career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, food suppliers, innovators and more!  Atlantic FFA members participated in a variety of different events and dress up days as the week continued.

On Monday, Atlantic FFA members began Carhartt/Western Day where students recognized harding individuals that make our community strong.  Monday was also FFA Bingo during a seminar where winning teams were given healthy, nutritious snacks that represented a variety of agricultural crops.  Hudson Goff said, “Bingo was a great way to kick off FFA Week and spread the message of FFA.”

Tuesday FFA members celebrated Dress Like your Favorite Teacher day to give a shout out to our favorite teachers who work hard every day.  FFA members also looked around the building for miniature pigs and turned them in to Mr. Miller for a fruit snack prize. “It was super fun to go around and look for the mini pigs with my friends, and I’m happy there was a prize.” Said Maggie Cohrs.

Wednesday is a favorite for Atlantic FFA members, Tractor Day.  This year 16 FFA members drove a variety of tractors. “We had modern tractors all the way to antique tractors this year,” said Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller.  “Thank you to all of the families that participated this year.” Also, FFA members had Anything but a Backpack Day where students showed off their imagination and brought unique items to carry around their school supplies that are used every day.  Charli Goff said, “It’s a great way to showcase Iowa agriculture and a fun experience for our FFA members.”

Thursday was American/Pattorict Day at AHS. Students and Staff dressed in Red White and Blue to celebrate America.  Thursday morning, the Atlantic FFA Chapter Officer Team cooked breakfast for the staff at AHS.  The morning began by FFA members cooking Butterbraids in the FCS kitchen.  Chapter President Colton Rudy then used a Blackstone griddle that was purchased with a giftcard from Tractor Supply in Atlantic to cook sausage links, bacon, eggs and finally pancakes.  FFA Officers Charli Goff, Lola Comes, Lily Johnson and Claire Pellett kept Colton supplied with food for the griddle and set everything up in the Ag room.  The meal was a success and Atlantic History Teacher Terry Hinzman said, “The FFA is very visible in the school district thanks to Mr Miller and the do a lot behind the scenes stuff at the school.”

Atlantic FFA members wrapped up the week wearing their FFA Tee Shirt day to celebrate the Atlantic FFA.  Each FFA member also took an individual photo with the FFA emblem.  These photos will be used on the Chapter Website and Chapter Scrapbook.  FFA members also played Ag Olympics that were run by Colton Rudy and Charli Goff.  Colton Rudy said ”It’s a great to get kids moving in class and showing some of the skills that agriculturist need on a daily basis.”

— article provided

Untreated groundwater discharge reaches Boyer River

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources was notified of an untreated water discharge into the Boyer River in Crawford County.

At 12:30 p.m on Feb. 26, the DNR Atlantic Field Office received a call from the City of Denison Water Plant regarding a discharge of untreated groundwater. At approximately 10:00 a.m. crews from the water plant were conducting a routine maintenance inspection to the raw main located at Hwy 39 and C. Avenue in Denison when the line overflowed.

Approximately 60,000 gallons of raw untreated water were discharged and flowed approximately 235 yards on the surface and into the Boyer River. DNR staff say the Boyer River has a slight red tint likely due to the iron content of the raw groundwater.

There are no risks to the public. No dead fish have been observed.

Burn ban in effect for Union County

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – Officials in Union County have placed the county under a burn ban (effective today [Feb. 26] at noon). No open burning will be allowed outside of the specific conditions found in Iowa Code 100.40 without a permit until further notice.

Pottawattamie County is now under a Burn Ban

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Council Bluffs, Iowa – An open burning ban will be in effect immediately for all areas and jurisdictions in Pottawattamie County. The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Potawatamie County, including all incorporated city limits within the County.

The current dry conditions throughout the region have caused an increase in wild land fire incidents over the weekend. As dry conditions persist, dead and dying vegetation is the perfect fuel to spread fires rapidly. A Red Flag Warning was issued today due to conditions being prime for extreme fire behavior. This type of fire behavior is difficult to control and is extremely dangerous to responders and the public.

During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles, and discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris or other items during the ban.
Violations of a burn ban can subject a person to criminal penalties as well as civil liabilities for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from the fire.

Visit the Emergency Management website at https://pcema-ia.org for more information on burn bans and the law. All residents are also encouraged to sign up for AlertIowa at the website to receive alerts for fire danger, evacuation notices, severe weather threats, and community emergency notifications.