In this edition:
From family to finance: loan program supports community-rooted meat processing business: The third-generation, family-owned-and-operated business specializes in butchering and meat processing services with several locations in eastern Indiana. Co-owned by brothers Mike, Greg, Dan, and Brad Fisher, the company has been able to adapt to meet its customers’ needs over the years.
Cultivating calm: lavender farmer is creating lasting legacy for future generations: Donnita Jimmis began her agricultural journey in fall 2024 by growing more than 2,000 lavender plants from seed in her home. The next spring, she transplanted those young herbs to a field.
The definition of ‘good people’: donor Dixie Nelson’s love of her community shines: Her altruistic nature and commitment to community have influenced much of what she’s done in her life, as well as how she treats those around her. She spends her days sorting through recyclables to help the environment, and she served her hometown for eight years as director of the Chamber of Commerce in Alliance, Nebraska.
Food and community celebrated in third annual Southwest Iowa Local Foods Summit: Session topics included farm to school, grants and funds available for local foods and farmers, rural grocery store initiatives, farmers market and farm stands, farm production, and more.
Win-win: program matches land owners with beginning farmers to get a start of their own: Trent Woltzen farms alongside his dad in Fayette County, Iowa, raising cattle, goats, corn, soybeans, and hay. However, even with the support of family, opportunities to rent or purchase land of his own as a beginning farmer have been limited. This makes it difficult for Trent to contribute to the growth of his family farm.
Powering the future: the Center offers new insights on electric grid expansion, load growth, and policy reform: With the demand for electricity on the rise, the current transmission system cannot handle the level of growth it is expected to face without significant upgrades.
Third farm bill extension passes alongside continuing resolutions: Tensions among lawmakers, as well as events including the 2024 election and passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), have impacted Congress’ ability to negotiate on a farm bill. Additionally, OBBBA included significant provisions for crop insurance subsidies and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which traditionally serve as a primary motivator for lawmakers to join the negotiation table.
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