Local, State & Ag News
Demand for cheese and butterfat expands March dairy exports
The U.S. Dairy Export Council says eight percent growth in March shipments continued year-over-year gains for the sixth straight month. Cheese exports increased 29 percent in March, setting a record
Iowa ethanol advocate predicts E15 bill passes US House with bipartisan backing
A vote may be held tomorrow in the U.S. House that would permanently override EPA rules and allow E15 to be sold at all U.S. gas stations year-round. Iowa Renewable
Fertilizer price spikes bring concerns and audibles for Illinois farmers
A pair of Illinois farmers say rising fertilizer costs are impacting their operations. Ken Franklin, who farms in Christian County, says he had most of his fertilizer purchased before the
USDA sees big year-to-year drop in winter wheat production
U.S. winter wheat production will likely fall sharply on the year. The USDA projects this year’s winter wheat crop at 1.0548 billion bushels, a drop of 25% from 2025, largely

85th Annual Tulip Festival Week Underway in Orange City
The 85th annual Orange City Tulip Festival officially begins this week in Orange City, with the Tulip Festival Night Show on Tuesday evening ahead of the festival’s traditional Thursday-through-Saturday run.
USDA adjusts old crop ending stocks estimates, issues new crop guesses
The USDA raised its 2025/26 ending stocks estimates for corn while cutting the outlook for wheat and soybeans. Corn ending stocks for the current marketing year are seen at 2.142
New Indianapolis 500 partnership expands iconic milk tradition
Changes at this year’s Indianapolis 500 will give attendees an opportunity to take part in a long-standing tradition. Jenni Browning, CEO of the American Dairy Association Indiana, says through a
Early season wet and cold raising disease, pest concerns for one Indiana farmer
A west central Indiana farmer says cool and wet conditions have created challenges for early-season crop development. Kevin Cox, who raises corn and soybeans in Clay and Parke Counties, says emergence
What it will take to grow the cattle herd: profit, pasture, and patience
University of Kentucky ag economist Kenny Burdine says, “There’s very little indication that we’re going to grow this cowherd quickly at all this time.” But, when it happens, he says it will come down to what
Melanoma cases in Iowa up 169% since 1992
May is skin cancer awareness month and Darcie Follon, a registered nurse who’s a health nurse educator in Clay County, suggests that everyone to do a monthly self-check. “Take a