Local, State & Ag News
Corn growers advised to stay ahead of southern rust spread
An agronomist is concerned as southern rust continues moving north. Grant Harms with Corteva Agriscience says the corn disease is blown in from the south and has been detected in
Corn aphids return
An agronomy manager with Wyffels Hybrids says corn aphids are once again causing issues for some Midwestern farmers. Robby Meeker, who covers the eastern half of Illinois and all of
Cedar Rapids casino will now open in November
Operators of the state’s news casino in Cedar Rapids announced they will be opening sooner than projected. Kim Pang is the general manager of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center.
El Nino usually a hinderance to South American production
The chief atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions says strong El Nino weather patterns typically cause problems for farmers in South America. Eric Snodgrass says the warming of the waters
Iowa GOP sues to lift block on signature check for absentee voting
The Iowa Republican Party is suing to lift the injunction that has blocked signature verification on Iowa absentee ballots. A 2017 Iowa law gave election officials authority to reject absentee

Sioux County Supervisors Renew Law Enforcement Agreement With Chatsworth
The Sioux County Board of Supervisors has renewed its longstanding agreement to provide law-enforcement coverage for the City of Chatsworth. Supervisors approved the $1,650 contract Tuesday. Sioux County Sheriff Nate
United Soybean Board focused on growth, research, and innovation in 2027
The new CEO of the United Soybean Board says the organization is focused on creating new market opportunities for U.S. soy in 2027. Courtney Knupp says growing domestic demand is just
Exports, demand help support pork prices amid profitability concerns
An ag economist says the pork industry has reasons for optimism, but challenges remain. Matt Erickson with Terrain there are a few factors helping support prices. “Exports still remain above
Seasonal warmth to extreme heat covers much of the Plains; showers & storms overspread parts of the Corn Belt
Across the Corn Belt, beneficial rain from the Mississippi Valley westward is helping to stabilize crop conditions that had deteriorated during the recent hot, dry spell. In the western Corn
Iowa community festivals this weekend feature burgers, corn, jazz
The online “Iowa Festivals Guide” indicates hundreds of community celebrations have been scheduled during the summer of 2026, and more than a dozen are this weekend. That includes one organized
