2007 Census of Agriculture

The 2007 Census of Agriculture has been released and illustrates an increased interest statewide in locally grown fruits and vegetables. Not only do specialty crops grow the Iowa economy, but they allow farmers to diversify their production. The Census shows the diversity of Iowa agriculture and the wide range of foods farmers grow and produce in the state.

To learn more visit: http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/

The 2007 Census of Agriculture can be found at http://www.nass.usda.gov/ia

Grain Storage

I’m consistently pleased by the feats we make here in Iowa with the agriculture industry and the sense of pride people have in their work. This year farmers across the state have invested millions of dollars in new storage capacity for corn and soybeans. As a result 225 million bushels in new grain storage was built in 2008. Farmers have likely invested more than $300 million in Iowa for new on-and-off farm storage. The new storage is a significant investment in the Iowa economy, when farmers profit they invest their money right here in the state. It’s a win-win!

To learn more visit www.iowaagriculture.gov

EPAʼs Emissions Regulation

The new emissions regulation announcement by the EPA that requires U.S. pork producers to file reports with the Environmental Protection and Community Right to Know Act highlights the potential impact these regulations can have on Iowa’s livestock producers and its important that they are following the issues and communicating with their producer organizations.

Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

Iowa is a national leader in agriculture, so it is very good news that an Iowan with a deep understanding of the issues facing farmers, renewable fuels and our rural communities will be leading the U.S. Department of agriculture at this challenging time. I congratulate Governor Vilsack look forward to working with him in his new role.

Iowa Christmas Fun

The Department had the opportunity to work with the Iowa Christmas Tree Growers Association again this year on their donations of trees for the Capitol Complex and “Trees for Troops” Program. In the true spirit of giving, Christmas tree growers gifted trees to military troops overseas and their families in the US through “Trees for Troops”.

A great tradition for many families is to select their fresh Christmas tree grown right here in Iowa. I’m certainly looking forward to choosing one for my home and encourage you to do the same.

Christmas is a time of family and fun, but it is also a great opportunity to enjoy many of the agricultural products that are produced in Iowa. A holiday ham, a warm cup of chocolate milk, a nice mug of hot apple cider, even a glass of wine can come from right here in Iowa.

So enjoy this time of year, and help celebrate Iowa agriculture and all it has to offer!

To learn more about choosing your own tree or other Iowa products visit: www.iowaagriculture.gov.

On The Road

After a good Thanksgiving weekend it is back on the road. Today we are off to Sigourney, Ottumwa and Chariton for Town Hall meetings. The roads may be a little messy, but I know there are folks with crops in the field that can’t harvest until the weather straightens out again. My travel concerns can be addressed by leaving a little early and not rushing things – they likely can’t get in the field until the snow get off the corn stalks (or bean stems in a few cases).