Grassley wants to meet with EPA over agriculture rules

Eight U.S. Senate farm leaders want a sit-down with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to discuss what Iowa’s Chuck Grassley described as “heavy-handed” regulations that “threaten the very livelihood of farmers and rural communities.”

Congressional leaders said their concerns range from the Clean Water Act and pesticide and methane gas regulations to the handling of personal information from farming operations.

In April, the American Farm Bureau complained that EPA’s attempt to to clarify the Clean Water Act was “achieved by categorically classifying most water features and even dry land as ‘waters of the United States,’ ” making it unworkable.

Environmentalists have said waterways that do not flow year-round or are not permanent lakes may be filled after heavy rains and can feed into drinking-water sources, requiring protections to avoid being polluted.

The senators said the regulations come at a time “when farmers and ranchers face the challenges of managing weather risks, responding to market demands, and adjusting to changes from the recently passed farm bill.”

“There’s no question that the EPA needs to be more cognizant of rural America and the role agriculture plays in a growing economy,” Grassley said.

The letter also was signed by Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Pat Roberts of Kansas, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, John Boozman of Arkansas, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Mike Johanns of Nebraska and John Thune of South Dakota.

Hy-Vee to hold fundraiser for veterans

Hy-Vee is holding its second annual Memorial Day fundraising event this weekend to raise money for three veteran support organizations.

Hy-Vee Homefront, a veteran support initiative run by the chain, has scheduled its Round Up event for all of its stores today through Monday. During the event, customers can choose to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, Hy-Vee said, with the additional amount going to the initiative.

The raised money will go to support three organizations: the Puppy Jake Foundation, Hope for the Warriors and Operation First Response.

Hy-Vee Homefront held the first Round Up event last year during Veterans Day, raising more than $279,000.