The Midwest ag industry is up in arms not only over the trade war but because the EPA recently exempted oil refineries from certain ethanol rules regarding corn. The renewable fuel standard requires United States fuel to use a certain amount of corn ethanol in the country's gasoline market to reduce greenhouse gasses.

According to the Department of Agriculture, 40 percent of total corn use in the U.S. is tied to ethanol production. But since the president has taken office the EPA has issued over 85 exemptions for oil refineries. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said Thursday that the president will take action to soften the effect of these waivers but he did not give any specifics.

New reports this week claim the USDA is exploring whether it can re-hire former employees to return to work to help fill some expected gaps this fall. The Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture are both expecting to lose significant portions of their workforce as both headquarters relocate to Kansas City. This means employees must either accept the mandatory reassignments or lose their current jobs. The department didn't confirm their consideration of re-hiring former employees but did not provide further details about the arrangements. According to the department's count in mid-July, 58 percent of employees at the ERS and 67 percent at the NIFA have declined to relocate.

Have you ever dreamed of working on a farm? Well, now is your chance to get your hands dirty. Murray Family Farms announced they are officially hiring for a variety of positions. The iconic local farm is known throughout the community for bringing agriculture and fun together. The farm is located at 6700 General Beale Road. Any interested can apply online.