The wet conditions in the sate have caused issues with the handling of human and animal waste. DNR Environmental Specialist, Doyle McKeever, says they got an anonymous report last week of manure runoff reaching Storm Lake. "We went down and investigated and we found runoff running to the lake … [Read more...]
Realtors Land Institute finds weather impact on price of cropland
The land values survey released this week by the Iowa Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute shows a one-percent reduction in the average cropland values in the state. Spokesman Kyle Hansen says the change in value depends on which part of the state you are in. "We range anywhere form a 2.8% … [Read more...]
New Iowa crime of ag-related trespassing now in place
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that creates a new crime of lying to gain access to farms and livestock facilities with the intent to do financial or physical harm. "Untrained, unapproved and unwanted items or people entering farms put farmers and the economy of the state at … [Read more...]
Legislature votes to target ‘false speech’ aimed at Iowa farmers
The Iowa House and Senate have approved a bill that establishes a new penalty for people who inflict financial harm on a farm with undercover videos or attacks on livestock or crops. "Iowa's heritage and Iowa's future is agriculture...If we can protect that vital industry in the state of … [Read more...]
Lawmakers take second run at outlawing undercover operations on Iowa farms
Lawmakers are considering a second attempt to penalize people who get an Iowa farm job in order to make undercover videos or harm the animals. Republican Representative Jarad Klein, a farmer from Keota, said the livestock industry is the "life blood" of Iowa's economy and it must be protected from … [Read more...]
Pompeo tells Iowans he’s hopeful for ‘successful outcome’ in China trade talks
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spent Monday in Iowa, assuring farmers there's been "real progress" in trade negotiations with China. "I'm very, very hopeful we'll be able to wrap up and get a truly successful outcome for the United States and for American ag," Pompeo said. Pompeo spoke late … [Read more...]
Pompeo and Branstad in Iowa for ag-related events
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is coming to Des Moines for a variety of events on Monday, including a speech to farm and agribusiness leaders. A state department spokesman says Pompeo will discuss how the agency "serves American economic interests through the promotion of American exports." His … [Read more...]
Iowa hog producers back appeal of ruling that killed ‘ag gag’ law
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office is appealing the district court ruling that threw out Iowa’s Ag Protection Fraud Law, the so-called "ag gag" law. Drew Mogler, public policy director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says his organization thinks the state has an excellent argument to … [Read more...]
Deere & Company officials discuss innovation and the use of artificial intelligence in combines
After a decade as chairman and CEO of John Deere, Iowa's largest manufacturing employer, Sam Allen says he's convinced the company's best days are still ahead. At Wednesday's annual meeting in the Quad Cities, shareholders heard a review of past performance and how new challenges will be … [Read more...]
Research finds genetically engineered crops had an environmental benefit
A study finds an early tool of genetic engineering in crops shows benefits beyond its original intent. So-called BT seeds are engineered with genetics from soil bacteria that kill specific insects. Researchers now say BT seeds provide additional environmental benefits. Steve Naranjo, with the … [Read more...]