WASHINGTON - Senator Grassley weighed in this week with the President's nominee to serve as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Senate hearing to consider the nomination of Gina McCarthy is set for Thursday morning in the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

"From EPA attempts to regulate farm dust and spilled milk and conduct aerial surveillance of farming operations, Iowans are concerned about how the EPA operates," Grassley said.

In a meeting by telephone with McCarthy, Grassley said he raised these issues as well as concern about the EPA's release of names, addresses and possibly other personal information about livestock producers to political activists who requested the information.  "Livestock producers are understandably concerned that the sort of information provided could be used to harass or possibly vandalize their operations," Grassley said.

Grassley said he also raised concerns directly with McCarthy about the impact of EPA regulations on electricity costs and manufacturing, including the EPA's efforts to undermine coal-fired electricity.  Rural electric cooperatives (RECs) receive 80 percent of their power from coal, well above the national average of 50 percent.  According to the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, RECs provide electricity to consumers in every one of the state's 99 counties.

McCarthy visited Iowa in 2009 with Grassley at his request after Grassley learned that the EPA official, Margo Oge, who was writing guidelines for indirect land use had never set foot on an American farm.  At the time, proposed rules from the EPA relied on incomplete science and inaccurate assumptions to penalize biofuels for indirect land-use changes.  Grassley said he appreciated McCarthy and Oge making the trip.  McCarthy was Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation at that time.

"The issues I continue to raise with the EPA deserve attention," Grassley said.  "Common sense seems to be in short supply at this federal agency when it comes to its handling of issues in agriculture and the rural economy."

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed a program to certify processed eggs and egg products for export, providing new opportunities for U.S. food exporters.

"This is one more step the Obama Administration has taken to expand exports of high quality U.S. agricultural products," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Today's announcement will open new markets for U.S. egg products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America. We are in the midst of the strongest period of agricultural exports in history, and I look forward to making even more progress in the years ahead."

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will certify a wide range of products containing eggs, including omelets, frozen egg patties, crepes, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and food containing egg extracts. The total market for U.S. exports of further processed eggs and egg products worldwide is estimated to be $500 million.

"This program was developed to help U.S. processors and shippers take advantage of the growing global demand for these products," said AMS Administrator Dave Shipman. "This effort allows producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require and will provide new opportunities for them to market their products globally."

AMS worked with FDA, USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), other government agencies, and representatives from processed egg and egg food organizations, including the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and the United Egg Association, to develop the program.

"A number of countries around the world have asked for certification for egg-containing products. This initiative provides a means for U.S. exporters to access previously untapped markets, creating jobs and supporting USDA's export goals," said FAS Administrator Suzanne Heinen.

AMS has unique capabilities in working with stakeholders to develop export certification programs that meet the specific requirements of other countries. With years of experience certifying eggs for export, AMS will now expand its services to support the trade of egg-containing products.

Once AMS verifies that a company meets the established certification requirements, the company will be listed as eligible for export by product and country. An eligible company would contact AMS for an export certificate covering accepted product and identify the foreign country. The certificates and verifications will be completed by AMS on a fee basis. For more information please contact: Dean Kastner, Director, Poultry Grading Division at (202) 720-3272 or via email at Dean.Kastner@ams.usda.gov; or Will Stone, International Trade Specialist, Standards & Technology Division at (202) 720-3100 or via email at William.Stone@ams.usda.gov.

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WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - March 18, 2013 -Despite a recent spate of rain and snow, Iowa livestock farmers continue to see drought fears drive up the 2013 hay market.  But now, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members have an exclusive cost-saving offer available to them through Case IH, which might bring some relief; Case IH hay balers, windrowers and conditioners are now eligible for a $300-$500 discount.

"We're excited about the expanded partnership program between Case IH and Farm Bureau. Now more members will be able to take advantage of the savings, and in a time of rising hay prices, rising land prices and rising fuel prices, most farmers are seeing pretty tight margins, " said Gary Anderson, Nevada store manager for Vetter Equipment.  "Expanding the program to include hay equipment, especially round balers and mower conditioners, is important to different farmers depending on their geographical location in Iowa. The Farm Bureau member discount is stackable, so it can be combined with other discounts, promotions, rebates and Case IH offers."

Farm Bureau's relationship with Case IH goes back to 2006, when discounts were offered on certain Case IH compact and utility tractors. Maxxum tractors and Scout utility vehicles were later added and all those discounts remain in place.  There are 61 Case IH dealership locations in Iowa.  In order to qualify for a discount on Case IH equipment, Farm Bureau members must have their membership dues current, and present a member verification certificate to their Case IH dealer before equipment delivery.  The Member Verification Certificate can be downloaded at www.fbverify.com/caseih.

"It's nice to know that in a time of uncertainties in the marketplace and unpredictable weather challenges, we have such strong, valuable partnerships which help us care for the land, our livestock and our families," said Craig Hill, IFBF president and Milo livestock farmer.

To learn more about the Case IH benefit or other benefits exclusive to IFBF members, log on to the IFBF website at: www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the Newsroom page on the IBF website at www.iowafarmbureau.com.