Local, State & Ag News
Iowa Senate votes for new tax on vapes, money for pediatric cancer research
The Iowa Senate has voted to establish a new state tax on vaping products — the electronic cigarettes that heat liquid that turns into vapor that’s inhaled. Senator Kara Warme,
Nebraska leads U.S. with new farm data privacy protections
Nebraska is the first in the nation to pass a bill that helps safeguard the privacy of ag operations. Bruce Reicker, senior director of legislative affairs for Nebraska Farm Bureau,
A popcorn so good it doesn’t need butter
Through plant breeding, Dr. Anthony Studer, a crop scientist at the University of Illinois has developed a superior popcorn line. So how is that possible? Studer explains. AUDIO: Healthy Living
Supreme Court rules in Worth County wind farm case
The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Worth County in a lawsuit over its wind farm moratorium and ordinance. Worthwhile Wind began developing plans in 2018 to build
U.S. Supreme Court to hear case on state vs. federal pesticide labeling
The executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance says next week’s Supreme Court hearing could impact glyphosate availability. Elizabeth Burns- Thompson says U.S. farmers need pesticide label certainty. “It really
Insurance expert urges theft prevention during busy spring
An insurance expert says the busy planting season can put more farm machinery at risk for theft. Zachary Hinthorn with Country Financial tells Brownfield that more tractors and implements get
Ex-Congressman King backs Lahn for Iowa governor
Former Congressman Steve King has endorsed Republican Zach Lahn’s bid for governor. King served nine terms in the U.S. House. He lost his campaign for re-election in 2020 to current
Cash dairy prices end week higher
Cash dairy prices were mostly higher to end the week on Friday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.0025 at $0.6975. No sales were recorded. Forty-pound cheese blocks were up $0.01 at $1.6450. Three sales were recorded, ranging from $1.64 to $1.6450. Cheese
Progress Report: NW Iowa Farmers Ahead of State in Early Planting
While wet conditions across much of the state have slowed planting progress, farmers in Northwest Iowa appear to be ahead of the curve. Iowa State University Extension field agronomist Leah
Ag economist says high costs and inflation will likely continue to pressure farm margins
An ag economist says he doesn’t expect input costs to soften anytime soon. David Widmar with Agricultural Economic Insights says prices continue to move higher. “Moderating inflation often means that inflation is
