A lush, green lawn is a source of pride for many Iowans and this prolonged drought is forcing many of us to quit worrying about having the best lawn on the block -- and let the grass go dormant. Adam Thoms, a horticulture professor at Iowa State University and a turfgrass extension specialist, … [Read more...]
Corn crop showing stress from dry conditions
Iowa State University Extension crop specialist, Joel DeJong, says northwest Iowa crops are showing signs of stress from the dry conditions. He says they need around 25 inches of moisture during the crop development stage. "We still need to have about 12 to 15 inches of rainfall during this … [Read more...]
ISU students find ways to reuse former plexiglass pandemic shields
Plexiglass panels that were in such high demand at the height of the pandemic are coming down now and students at Iowa State University are finding alternative uses for the durable, clear sheets. Merry Rankin, director of the ISU Office of Sustainability, says a professor of industrial design … [Read more...]
Regents president expects normal fall classes at state universities
The president of the board that oversees the three state universities says they are looking forward to resuming regular operations this fall. Mike Richards has already lifted the emergency order that went into place on March 18th of 2020 at the height of the pandemic. "Campuses will return to … [Read more...]
Regents discuss free speech issues, training
The Board of Regents Free Speech Committee met for the first time Wednesday since the governor signed a bill into law requiring free speech training at the three state universities. Regent and committee chair, Gretta Rouse of Emmetsburg, made some comments as the meeting started. "As far as … [Read more...]
ISU study shows meat processing slowdown will cost producers millions
An Iowa State University study finds a recent federal court decision forcing the line speeds at meat processing plants to slow down could result in a two-and-a-half percent loss in pork packing capacity nationwide. ISU economist Dermot Hayes says without any changes, the ruling will lead to a cut … [Read more...]
Budget boost for Iowa community colleges, no increase for UI, ISU, UNI
Legislators have approved a more than three percent increase in state funding for Iowa's community colleges, but the three public universities in Ames, Cedar Falls and Iowa City will see no increase in state support in the next budget year. Senator Dan Zumbach, a Republican from Ryan, said two of … [Read more...]
ISU expert: hackers continually changing to find an opening
An Iowa State University expert on cybersecurity says the hacker attack on the southern gas pipeline could have been a lot worse. Professor Doug Jacobson says the attack could have done more than create gas lines. "The good news with this pipeline is they didn't get control of the pipeline. If … [Read more...]
Iowa won’t be part of massive cicada emergence
You may've heard the buzz about the mass return of the insect known as the cicada after 17 years in the ground. Iowa State Entomologist, Donald Lewis, says the emergence will be from Indiana to the east coast -- but Iowa has to wait until 2031 for the periodical cicada to return. "Back in 2014, … [Read more...]
Some Ames residents pledging not to mow their lawns
If your neighbor's lawn is looking shaggy, don't scold them as they may be taking part in No Mow May. It's an effort to toss out the image of a "perfect" lawn and raise awareness about alternatives that are friendlier to the environment and to pollinators, especially bees, which are now emerging … [Read more...]