The World Pork Expo, an event that typically brings 20,000 people from around the world to central Iowa, is among the latest casualties to coronavirus. Jen Sorenson of Ankeny, president-elect of the National Pork Producers Council board of directors, says the big gathering that was slated for … [Read more...]
Better weather conditions improve spring planting outlook
The outlook for spring planting in Iowa is much improved over last year thanks to less rain and snow during the past winter. Iowa State University Extension field agronomist Joel DeJong, based in Le Mars, says at this time a year ago, farmers in many parts of the state were already dealing with … [Read more...]
Supreme Court upholds legal costs for Wapello County swine operations in lawsuits
The Iowa Supreme Court says two people who filed, then dropped lawsuits against the owners of animal confinement operations have to pay the company's legal costs. Michael Merrill of Batavia and Karen Jo Frescoln of Libertyville, were part of a group of 70 people who filed nuisance lawsuits … [Read more...]
Falling gas prices another hit for ethanol industry
With gasoline prices falling, ethanol producers across Iowa are seeing their profits fall, too, and industry leaders say the timing couldn't be worse. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says international trade feuds and reduced travel due to coronavirus are … [Read more...]
Iowa Cattlemen face deep price drop, seek federal assistance
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is asking Iowa's congressional delegation and the US agriculture secretary to provide immediate federal assistance to cattle producers. Matt Deppe, the association's CEO, says the dramatic drop in the cattle futures market in the past week alone has put cattle … [Read more...]
You can get your garden growing indoors
Now is the time to get seedlings for flowers and vegetables started if you want to have them ready to plant when the weather allows. Iowa State University horticulture specialists, Richard Jauron, says different varieties take different time to get ready. "For example, we typically plant … [Read more...]
Study confirms many pluses to planting cover crops
A ten-year study documents the conservation benefits of cover crops on farm fields and shows they’re a long-term tool for soil health. Growers were asked to plant strips of cereal rye as a cover crop on their corn and soybean fields, leaving neighboring areas without it. Liz Ripley, with Iowa … [Read more...]
Pork industry asks legislature for funding to prep for animal diseases
To best prepare for outbreaks of any foreign animal diseases, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture in asking state lawmakers for money. Drew Mogler, the association's public policy director, says funding is needed to help the ag department … [Read more...]
Deere dealing with coronavirus issues at its China plant
Iowa's top manufacturing employer has factories around the globe, including where coronavirus outbreaks have forced massive quarantines and factory shutdowns. A spokesman for Quad Cities-based John Deere says procedures are in place to respond to the outbreak in China, where Deere makes farm and … [Read more...]
Thousands of Iowa FFA members celebrate the organization
Thousands of FFA members in Iowa are celebrating with special events to mark National FFA Week. Kurt Veldhuizen is the advisor for the 92-year-old organization which teaches students about the agriculture industry. He says they'll be selling t-shirts and fruit baskets and some members will be … [Read more...]