While fridged temperatures may have reduced the expected attendance at the 2018 Iowa State Dairy Association Annual Meeting last week in Ames, those attending enjoyed top-flight presenters. Included in the program was Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey who reviewed cover crops and water quality programs, gave insights on the farm bill discussions and trade issues plus outlined how agriculture needs a labor force that is predictable and legal.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig talked about the legislative session that starts this week, noting that a one percent across-the-board budget is expected.
The final speaker from state government was Sioux County native, Lt. Governor Adam Gregg.
Dr. Lance Baumgard, ISU Professor gave an interesting review of the research that has driven heath professionals to make diet recommendation low in animal fat. He noted that there is an equal and growing battery of research that supports animal fat in a human diet actually promotes long-term heath.