On Thursday, a federal judge in Cedar Rapids rejected an attempt by the owner of a farm in Delaware County to overturn a 40-year-old law protecting wetlands. Judge C.J. Williams, the chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, issued a summary judgment in the case after determining the company […]
USDA
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More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says
The massive tax and spending bill passed by U.S. House Republicans would likely result in 3.2 million people losing food assistance benefits, and saddle states with around $14 billion a year in costs, according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Democrats have argued the bill, which the House passed, 215-214 early […]
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Iowa loses $11 million as Trump administration cuts funding for schools and food banks to buy from local farmers
Iowa will lose $11.3 million in federal funding that would have been used to buy locally produced food for schools, childcare facilities and food banks due to cuts to USDA programs by the Trump administration. “This funding was meant to build upon the $7.8 million invested in Iowa since 2022 through similar programs,” according to […]
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Iowa lawmakers move to prioritize corn, pork and dairy in school lunches
Iowa senators advanced a bill Tuesday to implement nutrition guidelines and education in Iowa schools that prioritize the state’s “unique” food sources like corn, pork and dairy. The bill would also update school health class curriculum to include a section on nutrition and include instruction on food production and the benefits of local sourcing in […]
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Bird flu detected in Palo Alto County flock, disaster proclamation extended
The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County just days after the bird flu was detected in an egg-laying flock in Sioux County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the fifth detection of the H5N1 influenza virus this year on Sunday, and Gov. Kim […]
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Iowa Hunger Coalition calls on Gov. Reynolds to stop rejecting millions in federal aid for food-insecure Iowa kids
The Iowa Hunger Coalition has renewed its call for Gov. Kim Reynolds to have the state participate in the USDA’s Summer EBT program. The program provides direct funds to families with children receiving federal food assistance to help them cover the increased cost of food during summer months when kids aren’t in school. Iowa was one […]
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Despite opt-outs by Iowa and other GOP states, debut of kids’ summer food program seen as a success
A U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative to feed hungry kids during the long summer months is mostly winding down, with advocates calling it a success despite some hiccups — and the federal government and many states are already working to bring the permanent program back in 2025. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program — or Summer EBT — has popped […]
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Gov. Reynolds rejects millions in aid for food-insecure Iowa families (again), instead asking feds to fund her own ‘monthly box’ program
On Thursday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she is again refusing to allow Iowans to participate in a USDA program that provides millions of dollars in direct assistance to families with children to help cover the increased cost of food during summer months when kids aren’t in school. “In Iowa, our focus is on the comprehensive […]
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Iowa dog breeders responsible for 36% of all violations in the U.S. last year
Iowa’s dog breeders had the worst record of compliance with federal regulations in 2022, accounting for 36 percent of all violations cited nationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited dog and cat breeders and brokers for 795 violations in 2022, a total that excludes citations for “missed” inspections resulting from USDA officials not gaining access […]
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Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy-mill violators
Iowa continues to lead the nation in puppy mills sanctioned by the federal government and is expanding its lead over other states. During the second quarter of 2022, a total of 23 Iowa breeders and brokers were cited for regulatory violations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Missouri came in a distant second place for […]
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Adopt or shop: The specter of puppy mills looms over local debates about pet stores
How does a dog become a pet? The ways in which an owner may meet their new best friend are as varied as dog breeds, ranging from a meticulous, months-long quest to claim a corgi from a rescue organization states away, to a neighbor casually asking if you want to pick a pup from their mutt’s latest litter. But debates around dog ownership
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Many small Iowa farms are squeezed out of the government’s family farm designation
By Molly Hunter, IowaWatch Small family-run farms that raise organically, without genetically modifying crops or by reducing their use of pesticides and antibiotics, are such a small part of the U.S. government’s definition of a family farm that they often are lost in the crowd when it comes to government and industry support. Some of […]
