Barriers to higher blended products: Biofuel and farm groups see E15 and other higher blends of corn ethanol into gasoline as the route to higher sales but the current structure of the Renewable Fuel Standard “does not serve to incentivize ethanol blends higher than E10.” (USDA Office of the Chief Economist)
Kentucky poultry cleared: Two Kentucky poultry farms were allowed to reopen after being closed since February 1st due to high-pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture).
Wisconsin towns vs. CAFOs: Three small towns in northwestern Wisconsin passed ordinances that regulate factory farms. However, they are being challenged by dairy groups who claim the towns infringe upon the state’s powers. (Grist)
India’s woes with wheat: After five years of record-setting wheat harvests, India faces a downturn in production this year due to a heat wave, jeopardizing the nation’s role in offsetting the loss of exports from Ukraine. (Reuters)
Farmer PAC backs Grassley: On June 7, the Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee favored Sen. Chuck Grassley (a seventh-term senator and proponent of biofuels) as its preferred candidate in the Republican primary for the Senate. (Iowa Farm Bureau)