Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House leaders finally allowed the farm bill to go to conference to reconcile the differences with the Senate. Iowa's farmers and rural communities have been operating without a farm bill intact since October 1st, when the previous farm bill expired and reverted back to the permanent law from 1938 and 1949.

"Today's action further demonstrates Congress' dysfunction. Our farmers and rural communities are currently facing the double whammy of the closure of USDA resources because of the shutdown on top of an expired farm bill. The current situation is unacceptable.

"Moving the farm bill to conference is the least that should happen to go forward and finally help our farmers and rural communities, Iowa's economy, and those who rely on nutrition assistance. The fact that our farmers and rural communities have been operating without a farm bill is inexcusable. House leadership should have taken action months ago. Now that the House and Senate will finally be able to meet to work out the differences between the two bills, they must act without further delay to develop a long-term, comprehensive farm bill that can be signed into law."

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This week I released a report by the Government Accountability Office.  I asked for this analysis of what are known as "actively engaged" regulations for eligibility in the federal farm program.

The report clearly shows that some people are exploiting the farm program for personal gain.  This hurts the case for keeping a safety net to ensure a safe and affordable food supply.

The findings of the report are important as the House and Senate look to hammer out a deal on the farm bill which expired on October 1st.  In fact, after I released the report, members of Congress representing Southern agriculture were quick to say that they planned to pull out the common sense farm payment reforms that are included in both the House and Senate bills.  That's bad news for people who want to maintain a safety net for farmers who need it most.

The legislative language in the pending farm bill that I authored substantially limits farm program payments and makes it easier for the Farm Service Agency to enforce eligibility rules.

It's the kind of reform that should strengthen support for the farm program by keeping the program focused and working as intended.

I'm fighting for reforms and pressing the conference committee to keep their hands off these common sense provisions.

Click here to see video.

Hundreds of protestors, many who've never been on an Iowa farm, are heading to our state next week to protest progress in farming.  They don't believe in genetically modified crops and no amount of peer-reviewed science or speeches from Nobel laureates will convince them otherwise.  Just as they have the right to voice their opinions and be heard, the Iowa men and women who spend years in the field growing your food also hope you will hear their stories, and let common sense prevail.

That's because for decades, these thousands of Iowa farmers have seen what progress in farming can do.

Paul Vaassen has been growing corn and beans on his Dubuque county farm since 1962.  Although he'll proudly admit being 'old fashioned,' he says there are some things that nostalgia can't cure, like hunger.

"I don't 'think there's any doubt in my mind that the genetic improvements that seed companies have developed have given us the opportunity to see greater yields, despite what Mother Nature can dish out.  We can't forget that feeding people is really what this is all about.  Last year, for example, we were very dry and even though yields were not up to what we considered 'normal', they were much better than, say, 10 to 15 years ago when we had the same drought conditions, but didn't have these great seeds that were more resistant to drought or pests.

Years ago we used planters with seeds in one box and insecticide in another, which meant we were using a lot more insecticide.  I'm happy that old planter sits idle on my farm now, because our GMO seeds help us defeat pests like rootworm and corn borer," says Vassen.

Roger Zylstra...a longtime corn, soybeans and hog farmer from Jasper County, has seen a lot of changes, too.  If he can be more productive and more sustainable, he can also keep farming in the family, and that's why he favors GMO crops.  "The reality is we're trying to build and grow for the future. My youngest son just came back full time to the farm.   I work hard to build a sustainable farm for his return and only innovation helps us do that."

Innovation has brought incredible progress to Iowa farms.  Between 1980 and 2010, U.S. farmers nearly doubled corn production, yet thanks to better seeds, better equipment and conservation practices, are using less fertilizer than they put on the ground, back with Zylstra and Vassen first got started farming all those years ago.  According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), farmers grew 6.64 billion bushels of corn using 3.9 pounds of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) for each bushel in 1980.  Just a couple years ago, that yield busted the bins at 12.45 billion bushels, using 1.6 pounds of nutrients per bushel produced.   I'm no math genius, but by any assessment, that's more than an 87 percent increase.  How many other industries can claim that?

When you look at the science, the numbers, the sustainability that GM crops bring and meet the men and women who grow your food, it's hard to swallow the hysteria that the 'anti' crowd is selling.  Young farmers just getting started believe it's the 'disconnect' that folks may have today with farmers; they just haven't met one.  Colin Johnson is a young family farmer from Wapello county who grows corn, soybeans and hay.  He says the farmers growing food today have more in common with folks asking the questions than many realize.  Knowledge-seeking is a good thing, so long as both sides are sought out.  "Of course GMO is safe.  Of course it's all about feeding more people, but the bottom line for me is that as a family farmer with young kids, I'm not going to put anything in the ground that's not safe for us, or our environment.   We're eating this food, too," says Johnson.

Progress has brought us safer cars, cell phone coverage in the country, the internet, and countless improvements in the fields of health care and fitness.  Progress has also brought consumers more choices at the grocery store and that includes healthier choices from GMO food: fortified with calcium, vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals.  Providing choices is what keeps farmers moving forward. "The farming practices we've used, the no-till and everything, it's a great advance from where we were. I have no doubt we will continue to move forward. That's what we do," says Zylstra.

October 22, 2013 ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

October 24, 2013 Mosquito and Public Health Pest Management, Scott County Extension Office, 9 am-11:30 am

November 1, 2013 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00 am-2:00pm

November 6, 2013 Ornamental and Turf Applicators, Scott County Extension Office, 1:30 pm-4:00 pm

November 13, 2013 Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management, Scott County Extension Office,

November 19, 2013 Fumigation, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00 am-11:30 am

November 26, 2013 ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

9:00 am-11:45 am

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

(DES MOINES) - The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded farmers impacted by recent severe weather to contact their crop insurance agent to file a claim before harvesting or destroying any impacted crops.

In addition to filing a claim, taking photos of damaged crops and buildings can help farmers document the damage. It is import that farmers do not harvest, destroy or physically alter the damaged acres until crop insurance has adjusted the claim.

When USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices reopen following the federal shutdown, farmers should follow the usual damage-reporting process and contact their local FSA office for any disaster loans or debris removal assistance that may be available.

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Proclamation applies for efficient transportation of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a proclamation to allow the transportation of overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover.  The proclamation takes effect today, September, 27, 2013, and expires after 60 days.

"Our farmers provide food, fuel and fiber for their families and families around the world." said Branstad. "With the challenging weather conditions that our state has seen over the past several months, this proclamation will help transport our agriculture commodities safely and efficiently."

"We hope this proclamation will provide additional assistance to farmers during this demanding time of the year," said Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.

"Harvest is an extremely busy time for farmers and this proclamation allows farmers to move crops as efficiently as possible while ensuring roadway safety," Northey said.  "I appreciate Gov. Branstad signing this proclamation in a timely manner so that it is in effect as harvest begins in earnest statewide."

This proclamation is intended to allow vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover to be overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.  This action is intended to allow loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the nonprimary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code §321.463(5)(b), by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today as the current farm bill expires at midnight. The Senate passed a bipartisan farm bill earlier this year, while at the same time the House was unable to pass its own comprehensive version.  This led to House leaders playing politics with Iowa farmers, rural communities and those who rely on food stamps by passing two separate pieces, the agriculture portion of the farm bill along with the nutrition portion. Congressman Loebsack introduced the Senate bill in the House after Republican leaders failed to pass a comprehensive farm bill. As of today, the House has not appointed people to work out the differences with the Senate. At midnight tonight when the law expires, it will revert back to the permanent law from 1938 and 1949.

"As the clock ticks down towards midnight when the current farm bill is set to expire, it is shameful that we are still nowhere near passing long-term, commonsense legislation that our farmers and rural economy need. House Leaders have refused to show any leadership on this issue and have left Iowa farmers, our rural communities, and those who rely on nutrition assistance to shoulder the burden. There is simply no excuse why we should not already have a farm bill that's been signed into law. I have been fighting to get a bipartisan farm bill signed into law and will continue to do so. We must pass a long-term, comprehensive farm bill without further delay."

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Policymakers, agriculture lenders, agriculture suppliers and producers all grow nervous when commodity prices, land values and input cost become volatile. Add in prevented and late planting this spring with drought conditions for good measure and you have plenty of excitement to manage for the 2014 farming year. Managing increased cost and decreasing margins is an area where today's producer turns to their lender, input supplier, Extension, neighbor, and other agricultural business professionals for advice.

To gather the research based information you need to advise clients and make crucial agricultural decisions, register to attend Iowa State University Extension's 2013 Pro-Ag Outlook workshop at the Cedar County Extension Office on Thursday, November 7th. Registration begins at 3:45 PM. Dr. Chad Hart, ISU Extension Grain Marketing Specialist, will be discussing the supply and demand situation for grains. Another workshop speaker will be Lee Schultz, ISU Extension Livestock Marketing specialist. Lee will review the profit potential and survival techniques in the livestock sector. Ryan Drollette, Extension Farm Management Specialist will give an update of the Land Tenure Survey and other farm management topics. The new CSR2 land quality ratings will be discussed by Jim Jensen, Extension Farm Management Specialist.

This workshop will prepare participants to make those important production decisions this winter. Advance registration is recommended by calling the Johnson County Extension Office at 319-337-2145. Registration includes workshop materials, breaks and a meal. Registration starts at 3:45 PM, and the meeting concludes about 8:30 PM.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for projects in 22 states that will help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs. Funding will also allow producers to use renewable energy technologies in their operations and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. Grant and loan funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O' Brien made the announcement on behalf of the Secretary.

"REAP continues to help farmers and rural businesses reduce their energy consumption and by doing so, improve the bottom line of their operations," O'Brien said. "This important Farm Bill program and others like it would not be available without a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill."

REAP helps producers reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. For example:

  • Weber Land LLC in Halstead, Kan., will use a $26,000 REAP grant to help purchase three energy-efficient electric irrigation systems that will replace an out-of-date and inefficient diesel system. The new systems will better irrigate 490 acres and is projected to reduce current energy usage by 74 percent annually.
  • Casa de San Pedro B&B, LLC in Hereford, Ariz., will use a $41,000 grant to assist with the installation of ground-mounted solar panels. Once operational, the bed and breakfast is expected to eliminate 83 percent of its current electricity costs.
  • In New York, 18 maple syrup producers will use more than $132,000 in REAP funds to purchase reverse osmosis systems, evaporators and preheaters to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. By utilizing these new technologies and practices, producers will reduce the amount of energy consumed by approximately 75 percent during the production process.

Under the terms of REAP, up to 25 percent of eligible project costs can be funded through a grant, and additional support can be provided in the form of a loan guarantee. Since the start of the Obama Administration, REAP has helped fund nearly 8,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide.

REAP offers financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These federal funds leverage other private funding sources. REAP also helps the conservation of natural resources and the development of new forms of energy that reduce America's dependence on fossil fuels and creates a stronger rural economy. Follow this link to view the complete list of recipients announced today under the REAP program.

Today's REAP announcement helps support the June 2013 announcement of President Obama's Climate Action Plan, which outlines a comprehensive approach to reduce carbon pollution and better prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change. USDA continues helping rural America innovate to lead the world against modern climate challenges, and a summary of the USDA's efforts are available at www.usda.gov/climatesolutions.

More information about USDA's role and accomplishments in renewable energy can be found here: www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=ENERGY featuring access to agricultural, forestry, economic, and socio data on energy through several web-based tools: the USDA Renewable Energy Investment Map, the Renewable Energy Tool and Energy Matrix. These tools focus on USDA's investments and projects for energy, energy efficiency, and conservation programs; provides information and data to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including: farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, managers, lenders, community developers, related companies, small businesses, researchers, developers, and federal, state and local government agencies.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration - the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.

USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)


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Time is running out for Congress to pass a long-term Farm Bill. The extension that passed in January is set to expire at the end of the month, and not acting now could spell trouble for thousands of Iowa families and the state economy.

Congress had a chance earlier this summer to pass a five year renewal when the bipartisan Farm Bill passed through the Senate, but extreme Republicans in the House refused to compromise. So now, it is up to us to fight back!

You were with me when I led the fight for the Farm Bill in the past -- and I'm going to need you to have my back again. Sign the petition to tell extreme Republicans in Congress to stop playing games with the Farm Bill and pass a five year renewal now.

Iowa is one of the largest producers of agricultural goods in the world and an important contributor to our national economy. Allowing the Farm Bill to lapse at the end of September could destabilize agricultural markets and hurt thousands of Iowans in the process.

Extreme Republicans in the House don't care about the consequences that allowing the Farm Bill to lapse will bring. They don't care about the millions of families that rely on the programs that it ensures. They're only interested in scoring political points against their opponents.

Join me and let the extreme House Republicans know that it's time to pass a long-term Farm Bill. Sign the petition here.

Failure to pass a Farm Bill is absolutely inexcusable. Thank you for standing with me and for all of your support.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley

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