Local, State & Ag News
Illinois investigators have new lead in Grinnell College student’s 1992 murder
The Illinois State Police and the FBI say they have a new lead in the 34-year-old unsolved murder of an Iowa college student Twenty-one-year -old Tammy Zywicki was returning to
Extreme July heat raises questions about Minnesota crop yields
Some farmers are wondering how much impact extreme heat had on crops during July. Rose Karau grows corn and soybeans near St. James in south-central Minnesota. “We have some sandhills,
High diesel costs continue to pressure farmers, supply chain
An ag economist says he doesn’t expect much relief from high diesel prices anytime soon. Gregg Ibendahl with K-State says the cost of oil can push diesel up about 42
Ag land expert sees room for farmland values to rise this fall
An ag land specialist suggests the market could strengthen after harvest. Randy Thompson is licensed in Iowa for Base Camp Country Real Estate, which operates in about a dozen Midwestern
Former Senate Candidate Nathan Sage Weighs In on Iowa Races, Data Centers
Former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage says affordability, water quality, healthcare access and frustration with political division could help decide several closely watched Iowa races this November. During a
Protein demand could resolve surplus concerns in USMCA talks
A policy advisor for the American Dairy Coalition says USMCA negotiators need to ensure trade rules keep pace with changes in the North American dairy market. Sherry Bunting tells Brownfield,
Doud backs Thompson’s plan to address ag labor challenges
The CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation says finding a solution to the industry’s labor challenges remains a top priority. Gregg Doud says a bill from Congressman GT Thompson,
Production challenges could lead to 2027 seed supply concerns
There’s potential for some corn and soybean varieties to be in tight supply next year. “Our seed crop here in Sun Prairie looks excellent. Is it a best ever? I
Global supply chain issues pressuring fertilizer prices ahead of 2026 fall application season
High fertilizer prices remain a concern as farmers prepare to make fall applications. Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, says ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to impact
Iowa’s ‘Rural Mainstreet Index’ up in August, but bankers see dip in hiring, land prices
Rural bank executives in Iowa and nine surrounding states surveyed monthly by Creighton University see economic improvement in August compared to July. Creighton’s “Rural Mainstreet Index” for Iowa advanced nearly
