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Agriculture

Iowa Supreme Court Allows Pipeline Companies to Survey Land in Summit Case

2024-11-24

The Iowa Supreme Court's decision regarding Summit Carbon Solutions' access to properties has sparked significant debate and implications. This case involves a landowner's refusal to grant surveyors access for a proposed pipeline transporting carbon dioxide. The court's ruling has far-reaching consequences for landowners' rights and the progress of critical infrastructure projects.

The Iowa Supreme Court's Verdict on Pipeline Survey Access

Background and Initial Arguments

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision allowing Summit Carbon Solutions temporary access for surveying. Kent Kasischke, a Hardin County landowner, opposed the surveyors on his land. The court heard oral arguments in early October. Kasischke argued that Iowa Code section 479B.15, allowing pipeline companies to enter private land for surveying, was unconstitutional due to the need for compensation.However, Justice Thomas Waterman's decision stated that Kasischke had no right to exclude the surveyor as the section is a lawful pre-existing limitation on his land title. This is consistent with rulings in at least four district courts and Supreme Court decisions in North Dakota and South Dakota.In South Dakota, a similar statute was upheld, but it stated that the company must prove it is a common carrier and that surveying is only constitutional with minimally invasive superficial inspections.

Opposition's Perspective and Press Release

A press release from the Iowa Easement Team and Bold Alliance, opposing the pipeline and supporting Kasischke, claimed that the Friday Iowa Supreme Court's decision "sidesteps" questions around surveying. It emphasized that Iowa has no guardrails on the level of invasive activity a pipeline company can do on private property.Justice Thomas D. Waterman listens during oral arguments in Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC v. Kent Kasischke. This shows the significance of the court's decision and the ongoing battle over pipeline rights.

Attorney's Response and Future Steps

Brian Jorde, who has represented numerous landowners against Summit, said they will have to go back to the Court to address the limitations. He hopes Iowans will be granted the same protections as South Dakotans.As part of the ruling, the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed that Summit Carbon Solutions is a pipeline company and fits the definition under Iowa Code by transporting a hazardous liquid. Kasischke had argued that the supercritical carbon dioxide in the pipeline was not a liquid, but the court relied on testimony from the district court trial and the Iowa Utilities Commission's determination.The CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions, Lee Blank, called the court's decision a "win for infrastructure projects" and emphasized the importance of balancing landowner rights with infrastructure needs.Opponents of the pipeline project stated that the ruling did not conclude that the proposed 2,500-mile pipeline is a public use or that the company is a common carrier. However, Summit was granted use of eminent domain in August.Finally, the court affirmed that Summit complied with notice requirements and the district court's ruling and injunction.Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and donors. It maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions at info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

Imagine a world where every pregnant cow is under constant surveillance, with an advanced artificial intelligence system detecting the exact moment of birth. Nikon, a renowned name in imaging technologies, is at the forefront of this revolution. By using multiple surveillance cameras and advanced algorithms, the company is developing a system that can monitor cows 24/7, providing farmers with crucial alerts.

Unlock the Power of AI in Cow Monitoring

Training AI for Precise Calving Detection

The development of this AI system presented significant challenges. In the initial stages, the accuracy of detecting calving behaviors was low, leading to many false notifications. However, through the collection of vast amounts of data and repeated AI learning, along with the creation of appropriate alarm logic, performance has improved significantly. The latest demonstrations show a remarkable 95% detection accuracy for characteristic calving behavior. Training began in fall 2021, and the company continues to enhance the system by increasing the number of analyzed behavioral patterns. This not only reduces the physical burden on farmers but also secures human resources on farms.

In the future, Nikon aims to expand this system to monitor not only cows but also other livestock. By leveraging AI and image analysis technology, the company hopes to contribute to reducing the workload of livestock farmers and improving overall farm management.

For example, in Japan, where 100-cow operations are common, the system is being fine-tuned to meet the specific needs of local farms. With the ability to increase the number of cameras and develop new recognition systems, Nikon is paving the way for more efficient and accurate livestock monitoring.

Near-Instant Recommendations through AI

In the agriculture industry, computer programs are increasingly analyzing large amounts of data to make more informed management decisions. Livestock wearables have been used for decades to collect data and monitor herd productivity and health. AI takes this a step further by collecting and analyzing data in real time, providing near-instant recommendations.

Dairy is at the forefront of using wearable collars and tags. Instead of relying on manual heat detection, AI can track a cow's activity and identify signs of heat. This not only saves time but also improves the efficiency of barn management.

Paul Koffman, executive director of livestock technology solutions for Merck Animal Health, emphasizes that technology is not replacing labor but enhancing it. By using AI to identify specific cows, farmers can perform tasks more effectively and efficiently.

Leveraging Multiple Sources with AI

AI's power lies in its ability to combine information from multiple sources. Nedap believes in partnerships and integrations across technology suppliers to create greater value for farmers. By fine-tuning available sensors and tapping into other industries' technologies, AI software can provide a broader set of inputs for stronger algorithms.

Tara Baker, North American marketing manager for Nedap, explains that this allows for a more comprehensive look at farm operations and provides more accurate outputs. However, AI is only as strong as its development, and it requires continuous learning and improvement.

Merck's Paul Koffman also sees AI as part of the company's overall animal health approach. By monitoring animals and identifying potential issues early, farmers can take appropriate actions to improve animal health and productivity.

Power Beyond Production with AI

Data management and AI can generate alternative income streams and provide information that end users require. Producers are using data to create sustainability scores that are in demand by processors and food sector players.

Dairy, in particular, has a story to tell about its stewardship practices. By leveraging AI-powered technology, farmers can track and optimize these practices, providing added value to the supply chain. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the reputation of dairy products.

Tara Baker notes that while 10 or 15 years ago, tracking these practices was difficult, now more processors are demanding this information. AI-powered tech is helping farmers meet these requirements and create new value streams.

Wheat futures witnessed a significant drop during overnight trading. French farmers' historical rapid planting has had a notable impact. As of Nov. 18, about 90% of the French wheat crop was planted, surpassing the five-year average of 87%. This was initially delayed due to excessive rain in September and early October. However, the unusually dry weather since then allowed producers to accelerate sowing. "The winter wheat planting campaign has now surpassed the five-year average for the first time," stated the board.

UK Wheat Area Set to Rise in 2025

In a separate statement last week, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) revealed that the UK wheat area will increase by 5.4% in 2025. Last year's crop had a reduced planted area due to adverse weather. This shows the potential for growth in the UK wheat sector.

US Winter Wheat Crop Conditions

In the US, as of Nov. 18, 49% of the winter wheat crop was in good or excellent condition, up from 44% a week earlier. The Department of Agriculture is scheduled to release its weekly crop progress report this afternoon. This provides valuable insights into the current state of the US winter wheat crop.

Wheat Futures and Other Commodities

December delivery wheat futures dropped 8½¢ to $5.56 1/4 a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Kansas City futures also lost 9¢ to $5.56½ a bushel. Meanwhile, corn futures for December delivery were down 1¾¢ to $4.33½ a bushel. Soybean futures for January delivery rose 3¢ to $9.86½ a bushel. Soymeal increased by $2.50 to $294 a short ton, and soy oil added 0.28¢ to 42.12¢ a pound. These fluctuations in different commodity futures highlight the complex nature of the agricultural market.

Cattle on Feed and Market Movements

The number of cattle and calves on feed at the beginning of the month showed a narrow increase. As of Nov. 1, about 11.986 million head were on feed, up from 11.956 million a year earlier. In October, roughly 2.286 million cattle were placed on feed, a 5% increase from the same month last year. Fed cattle marketings totaled 1.845 million head, also a 5% increase. Texas led the US with 2.88 million cattle and calves on feed at the start of November, down 1% annually. Nebraska was second with 2.59 million head, up 2% year over year, and Kansas followed with 2.415 million head, down 4%. Placements in October were led by Nebraska with a 2% annual increase, followed by Kansas with a 10% gain and Texas with a 7% increase. These details give an overview of the cattle on feed market and its trends.

Winter Weather Persisting in Northern US

The National Weather Service predicts that winter weather will continue in parts of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In northern Minnesota, another 2 inches of snow is expected on top of the existing snowfall, resulting in a total accumulation of about 6 inches. Tonight, temperatures will drop into the single digits in much of northwestern Iowa, southwestern Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and central South Dakota. This wintry weather is expected to last through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, affecting the region's weather and potentially having implications for various activities.