An analysis prepared for the National Corn Growers Association concludes American corn farmers will lose $89 an acre in revenue this year -- due to the pandemic. "There are some economists predicting that are projecting....the 2021 crop year will be impacted," said Chris Edgington, who farms near … [Read more...]
Crops feeling the heat as many areas remain dry
The extreme heat of July is starting to stress some of Iowa's corn and soybean crops, as conditions vary across the state. Iowa State University Extension field agronomist Angie Rieck-Hinz says much of the corn crop in western Iowa is having a difficult time. "Even the rain we get now is probably … [Read more...]
Corn and soybean crops continue making progress
The development of the corn and soybean crops continues to be ahead of past years. The U.S.D.A. crop report says 35% of the corn is at or beyond the silking stage of development-- which is eight days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. The report says 58% of the … [Read more...]
Crops in some areas of the state showing signs of stress
The new varieties of corn have made the old standard "knee-high" by the Fourth of July a thing of the past as corn in some areas is already five to six feet high. Iowa State University Field Agronomist, Angie Rieck-Hinz says the differences in rainfall are really starting to show in her … [Read more...]
Governor approves tax break for higher blends of biofuels like E15, B20
Governor Kim Reynolds has approved legislation that reduces the state tax on gas with an ethanol blend of 15 percent or higher. It applies the same six-cent per gallon break to 20 percent or higher blends of biodiesel. "It's going to make higher blend biofuels even cheaper at the pump, making it … [Read more...]
Soy oil plant provides training for Goodwill in Johnson County
Goodwill of the Heartland is expanding from its traditional retail operation to a soy oil manufacturing business in Johnson County. Plant manager Jon Olson tells KCRG TV that they plan to hire about 40 employees once it is fully operational. “I want to help people that don’t normally get an … [Read more...]
Corn and soybeans look good in early growth
The planting is done and the growing is well underway in fields across the state. The latest crop report from the U.S.D.A. says nearly all of the corn has emerged -- and 83% is rated in good to excellent condition. The report says there are some acres of beans remaining to be planted in … [Read more...]
Some wet areas reported, but early growth looks good for crops
With virtually all of the state's corn and soybean crops planted, most of them well ahead of schedule, farmers across the state are reporting the plants look to be emerging in very good shape. Kelvin Leibold is a farm management specialist with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in … [Read more...]
Corn planting done, beans not far behind
Warm, dry weather helped with planting and crop growth this past week. The U.S.D.A. says the corn planting is virtually complete and 97% of the corn in the ground has already emerged. That's more than two weeks ahead of last year and ten days ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-five percent of … [Read more...]
Lawmakers approve tougher penalties for trespassing in livestock confinements, packing houses
The legislature has passed another bill that toughens penalties for those who trespass at a "food operation," including livestock confinements and meat packing plants. "It's a pretty simple concept," Representative Jarad Klein, a Republican from Keota said. "It doesn't mean you can't go up and … [Read more...]