Researchers are making progress in trying to combat what's known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed many thousands of bats in Iowa and millions across the continent. Jeremy Coleman, the national white-nose syndrome coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says scientists are … [Read more...]
Feenstra raps meat packers over livestock prices
Congressman-elect Randy Feenstra says it's time for the U.S. Department of Justice to address allegations of price fixing in the livestock industry. "The packers, they're making all kinds of profits, so we've got change it," Feenstra says. "We've got to break up the monopoly." Four companies … [Read more...]
Man dies in accident on dairy farm near Waterloo
A Waterloo man was killed in a farming accident Monday afternoon. Black Hawk County sheriff’s officials identified the victim as 36-year-old Christopher Holman. According to authorities, Holman was operating farm equipment when the accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Officials say it appears … [Read more...]
Farmland values increase slightly in Iowa State University survey
The annual Iowa State University Land Value Survey finds a modest one-point-seven percent statewide increase in the value of an acre of farmland in 2020. Survey leader Wendong Zhang says there was a big difference in price changes based on the type of land. "Nearly flat for higher quality and … [Read more...]
Biden ends speculation, nominates former governor Vilsack as U.S. Ag Secretary
The speculation has turned to reality as former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was nominated by president-elect Joe Biden as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, a post Vilsack held during all eight years of the Obama administration. Jeff Jorgenson, president of the Iowa Soybean Association, says … [Read more...]
ISU expert says corn and beans still have room to move up in price
Farmers have seen a boost in corn and soybean prices since harvest finished and an Iowa State University Extension specialist says indications are the upward trends will continue. Chad Hart says a couple of things have impacted prices. "We saw sort of the combination of the drought and the … [Read more...]
Cresco’s Norman Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize 50 years ago this week
Fifty years ago this week, the groundbreaking work of a northeast Iowa farmer was recognized on the global stage as Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Barbara Stinson, president of World Food Prize Foundation -- which Borlaug founded, says his research in plant genetics mobilized … [Read more...]
Hog and cattle prices likely to rise in 2021
Iowa livestock producers can expect to see rising prices for hogs and cattle in the coming year, according to an agricultural economist at the Iowa State University Extension. Lee Schultz says after several quarters of expansion within the hog industry, we're starting to see signs of the hog … [Read more...]
Head of pork producers says everyone has responsibility for clean water
The leader of one of Iowa's largest agricultural groups says some people wrongly blame farmers for the recent report that finds 750 segments of Iowa's lakes, rivers and streams are impaired by pollution. Mike Paustian, of Walcott, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, says it’s … [Read more...]
Iowa Pork Congress is called off due to COVID, adding to Des Moines’ woes
On the same day Des Moines leaders announced coronavirus would cost the city $25-million in lost revenue this fiscal year, the Iowa Pork Producers Association added to the misery by cancelling next month's Iowa Pork Congress. Association spokeswoman Dal Grooms says the event, which usually brings … [Read more...]