Local, State & Ag News
Wisconsin drought threatens crop conditions, dairy farmer grateful for stockpiles
A northeast Wisconsin dairy farmer says he’s thankful for last year’s bumper crop as drought conditions intensify Travis Speirs milks 2,800 cows with his father south of Green Bay. “We’ve got
Iowa producers renew call for Prop 12 relief
Some Iowa producers are urging Congress to address Proposition 12 as lawmakers work toward a new five-year farm bill. Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from southeast Iowa and current president
Optimistic about Illinois estate tax relief
The president of the Illinois Farm Bureau says he’s optimistic that the state’s farmers could soon see estate tax relief. Phillip Nelson, who farms in LaSalle County, says Governor J.B.
How Artificial Intelligence can improve crop performance
The director of research agronomy and Practical Farm Research for Beck’s says the future of farming will be more prescriptive. Jim Schwartz says corn hybrids build yield in different ways.
Red Crown Rot detected in 17 Indiana counties in 2026 as researchers continue to evaluate management options
A Purdue Extension field pathologist says red crown rot has expanded across the Midwest in 2026. Darcy Telenko says it has already been found in 17 counties in Indiana and
Lack of meaningful farm bill solutions frustrating
The president of Wisconsin Farmers Union says frustration continues to mount over Congress’ inability to pass a new farm bill. Darin Von Ruden, who farms in Vernon County, tells Brownfield,
One in five counties now use Thrive Iowa program to help students, families
The state’s Thrive Iowa program is now operating in 20 of the state’s 99 counties. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services launched the initiative this summer to help

Dordt Launches One-Year Pilot Offering Campuswide Access to AI Tools
Dordt University is embarking on a one-year pilot program with BoodleBox, a collaborative AI platform built for lifelong learning and work with AI. Dordt students, faculty, and staff will be
Art project ‘Domino Effect’ brings musical interlude to central Iowa city
An interactive art exhibit designed to encourage play, creativity and connection will open in the heart of Iowa’s capital city this weekend. Renae Mauk, vice president of downtown development at
How to handle grain marketing right now
The president of Heartland Farm Partners says there’s opportunities for farmers take advantage of the recent strength in commodity markets. On this episode of Managing for Profit, Jeff Peterson says
