Local, State & Ag News
USTR under fire for trade policies affecting farmers, requests 46% budget increase
Lawmakers pressed the U.S. Trade Representative this week over policies they say are hurting American farmers during a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing. Indiana Democrat Frank Mrvan confronted Ambassador Jaimeson
USTR under fire for trade policies affecting farmers
Lawmakers pressed the U.S. Trade Representative this week over policies they say are hurting American farmers during a U.S. House Appropriations Committee hearing. Indiana Democrat Frank Mrvan confronted Ambassador Jaimeson
Missouri FFA president reflects on ag diversity, calls members “future of agriculture”
The retiring Missouri State FFA President says she has a greater appreciation for the diversity of Missouri agriculture as her year of service wraps up. Ivy Elwell from La Monte,
Ag engineer watches Caterpillar–Monarch deal for AI innovations
An ag engineering professor says he’s watching how Caterpillar potentially integrates technology being acquired from Monarch tractors. Scott Shearer is the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering chair at
MFA Incorporated acquiring four ADM grain facilities
MFA Incorporated, a farmer cooperative in Missouri, has entered into an agreement to acquire four ADM grain elevators in the state: Montgomery City, Center, Novelty and Shelbina. Those country grain
Ethanol industry poised for major growth ahead of E15 approval
The CEO of an ethanol plant in southern Minnesota anticipates Congress passing year-round nationwide E15 legislation this year. Brian Kletscher with Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton says lawmakers are working hard

Le Mars Man Sentenced in Sioux County Case Involving Minor
A Le Mars man has been sentenced in Sioux County District Court in a case involving a reported sexual assault of a minor and subsequent violations of a court order.
Corteva announces executive leadership teams to lead its new crop protection and seed companies
Corteva has announced new executive leadership teams for its crop protection and seed units following the planned separation later this year. The company says the split will create two independent

Sioux County Communities Offer Multiple Electronic Recycling Opportunities
Multiple Sioux County communities are offering opportunities in the coming weeks for residents to dispose of unwanted electronic items safely. The 2026 Sioux Center E-cycle free electronic recycling event will
Financing fears rise as sugarbeet profitability narrows
Tight margins could squeeze some sugarbeet growers out of planting all their acres this year. Kristina McVicker with South Central College in Mankato, Minnesota says she’s hearing of banks leery