Fund administrator Jody Bloemke said applicants can request funding in one of four focus areas: education, environment, technology or quality of life. The company primarily serves the cash grain (corn and soybean production), swine and dairy industries. Grants are available up to $10,000 per organization for programs specifically supporting farmers and rural residents. The fund continually searches for organizations working to benefit farmers and rural areas. Grant applications must be...

He was buried under soybeans for nearly 15 minutes before rescuers reached him. Please identify the comment you're concerned about, the story to which the comment was attached, the date of the comment and the person who made the post. christenson@lee.net We will not post reader comments containing racial, religious or personal attacks, slander, profanity, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers or Web site addresses that are for personal or promotional gain. Sign Up - To...

Didn't know that organic chocolate existed? Then you probably don't know about the organic shampoos and soaps, vitamins, cleaning supplies, soy-based waxed paper and "natural" paper platesor that organic soybean snacks come in roasted, toasted and flavoured varieties. Didn't know that organic chocolate existed? Then you probably don't know about the organic shampoos and soaps, vitamins, cleaning supplies, soy-based waxed paper and "natural" paper platesor that organic soybean snacks come...

Much of the money will go to growers of crops such as the cherries, asparagus, beans and other products that make up more than half of Michigan's agricultural income. Stabenow has pushed for months for the provisions, lining up senators to back her plan to shift agriculture policy away from the traditional commodity crops -- wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton and rice -- that still get the most federal funding. The bill, which Congress must renew every five years, includes a section on fruit...

In a time when fiscal restraint is much needed, the additional spending authorized in this bill, such as provisions for local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects (hundreds of millions of dollars), is unacceptable, according to a White House statement. We have found ourselves falling further and further behind, so these infrastructure improvements are needed to remain competitive in the world ag economy, Grassley said. Charles Grassley, who sides with Bush on many issues,...

in spring 2004 - was found this year in 11 counties in Iowa and four in Nebraska, but came late enough in the season to do little damage in those states. Forty-two sentinel soybean plots at 27 sites in South Dakota are checked weekly for soybean rust as part of a nationwide network. Eighteen states this year confirmed soybean rust, a fungus that feeds on sugar in the plant's leaves, reducing yield and the bean's protein content. South Dakota's soybean crop is most at risk in July and...