Local, State & Ag News
Food buyers, farmers partner for regenerative agriculture adoption in pears
A partnership in West Michigan is helping food companies and farmers adopt more regenerative agriculture practices. Oceana Conservation District Manager Laura Ackerman tells Brownfield a new Regenerative Pear Growers Network
Sugar gains consumer favor as cheap global imports undercut U.S. farmers
An ag economist says new analysis shows consumer purchases are leaning toward more natural sugars. CoBank’s Tanner Ehmke tells Brownfield, “It is a clear trend that people are switching
Worries over USDA staff reductions
A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says the USDA’s ongoing reorganization is causing concerns across the countryside. Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says she continues to hear from farmers
Wisconsin State Fair’s 175-year history rooted in agriculture and farm families
A second-generation archivist for the Wisconsin State Fair says about 10,000 farm families have been part of its history over the past 175 years. “I hope people continue that legacy.”
Dry weather cuts hay yields, pushes cattle off pastures early in South Dakota
Drought is taking a toll on hay and forages in the Northern Plains. Kevin Deinert grows, corn, soybeans, and forage crops for their family cow-calf and feedlot operation near Mitchell
Bedford’s Eli Johnson takes Grand Champion honors at Iowa State Fair
A Bedford High School graduate received top honors during the Iowa State Fair’s livestock shows. “I brought a wether,” said 18-year-old Eli Johnson on Friday. “His name is Bennett.” Johnson
Farmers face another round of higher costs heading into 2027
Farmers are bracing for a more expensive harvest and 2027 growing season. American Farm Bureau vice president of public policy and economic analysis John Newton says fuel and fertilizer costs
You can now sleep in if you want an Iowa deer license
Deer licenses go on sale Saturday and DNR state deer biologist Jace Elliott says this year they are moving away from the traditional midnight start time. “For obvious reasons, we’re
Satanic Temple filing federal lawsuit over holiday access to Iowa’s capitol building
The ACLU of Iowa has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Satanic Temple asking the court to block state officials from keeping the group from having a holiday
Experts say RFID technology boosts traceability and improves disease response in the swine sector
Two swine industry experts say the use of RFID technology can improve traceability and make the U.S. herd more resilient. Brent Pepin a veterinarian and the director of swine health
