Renewable fuels on the line

It's his first week on the job. -Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Don Heck, director of the Iowa Central Biofuels Testing Laboratory, talks about their services during a meeting with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a group of producers concerned about changes to the renewable fuels standards in the Iowa Central Community College Board Room.

US govt to California: You can never leave

The Trump administration on Wednesday came down hard against California, suing the Golden State over its immigration policy that it said is obstructing federal officers from enforcing laws relating to illegal immigrants. WASHINGTON: In a country whose name is prefaced with United and whose pledge of allegiance speaks of "one nation under God, indivisible," secession is a no-go area.

State’s Barely Market Experiences Increased Productivity

The state's barley growers experienced their most productive year last year within the past ten years, as reported by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Alaskan barley farmers planted 5,500 acres of grain last year, while harvesting 239,000 bushels, marking the largest crop this decade, valued from $600,000 to $1.2-million-dollars.

Child marriages decline, led by big fall in South Asia

Setting up a likely legal fight with the Trump administration, Washington has become the first state to enact its own net-neutrality requirements. Rats, mold and fists: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos gives state education chiefs some "tough love" as she pushes them to innovate.

South Korea meeting thrusts North’s Kim into the limelight

In this Monday, March 5, 2018 photo, provided by the North Korean government on March 6, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, front right, meets South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yong,... . In this Monday, March 5, 2018 photo, provided by the North Korean government on March 6, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, front right, shakes hands with South Korean National Security Director Chu... .

A Promising Backup to the Honeybee Is Shut Down

The almond industry contributes an estimated $21 billion annually to California's economy and it is completely dependent on honeybees for its existence. For eight years the Wonderful Company, the world's largest almond grower, had been funding a large research project to breed another commercial pollinator - Osmia lignaria, aka the blue orchard bee, or BOB - to help the beleaguered honeybee in their vast orchards.

Low interest emergency physical loss loans available for three new counties

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Acting Administrator Steve Peterson today announced that physical loss loans are available for Chautauqua, Jefferson and Lewis counties in New York. Farm operators who have suffered major physical losses caused by excessive snow and cold that occurred Dec. 20 to Dec. 22, 2017, may be eligible for emergency loans.

With top-of-the-ticket races all but decided, lesser-known GOP races benefiting from media boost

Without much action at the top of the Republican primary ticket, much of the media and voter attention this election season has focused on races to decide the leaders of lesser-known statewide offices -- the General Land Office and the Texas Department of Agriculture. "It's heated, they're spending money, it's competitive," said Jim Henson, the director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas.

Farm Republicans revolt against Trumpa s steel a oetax.a Warn ita ll cost him at the polls.

President Donald Trump said he will impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports in response to what he called decades of unfair trade policies. Trump summoned steel and aluminum executives to the White House and told them that next week he would levy penalties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports.

2018 Oregon Wine Industry Recognizes Leaders at Annual Wine Symposium

Oregon's wine community was aglow with recognition during an awards luncheon at the Oregon Wine Symposium on Wednesday, Feb. 21. More than 1,300 wine industry professionals were on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues throughout the state who continue to champion the advancement of Oregon wine. Nine awards were presented, including the first Oregon Wine Leadership award, presented to Sen. Jackie Winters for her tireless support of the statewide wine industry.

USDA opens new office in Vietnam to help facilitate increasing agricultural trade

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently opened a new office in Hanoi, Vietnam. The office will play a vital role in helping expand the United States' $2.5 billion agricultural export market in Vietnam.