Local, State & Ag News
Record cheese, butterfat exports point to strong 2026 for dairy
2026 could be another record year for U.S. dairy exports. CoBank ag economist Abbi Groves says international business continues to be strong. “We have seen record exports for butterfat and
TV show helps Des Moines police close 1997 cold case
After nearly three decades, a suspect is now in custody in a central Iowa vehicular homicide case. Des Moines police say 64-year-old Leslie Ruby died just outside his eastside home
Astronaut Whitson wins new praises from aviation peers
One of Iowa’s space heroes is adding another honor to her long list of accomplishments. Peggy Whitson was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in a weekend ceremony
Combine equipment settings and operator skill critical for capturing more soybeans
Harvest losses could be a defining factor in profitability for some farmers. Michigan State University Extension soybean educator Eric Anderson says about four soybeans per square foot after a combine
HPAI returns to Indiana: More than 24,000 birds depopulated in Jay County
The public information director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health says producers should remain vigilant as new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza are detected. Denise Derrer Spears says it’s
Biodiesel producers playing catch up on 45Z opportunities
The CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America says uncertainty remains on exactly how the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit will benefit biodiesel producers and soybean growers. Donnell Rehagen tells
Continuous improvement drives 2026 World Dairy Expo Producer of the Year
The 2026 World Dairy Expo Producers of the Year are always looking to improve. Jonathan Lamb is a 12th-generation dairy farmer from Oakfield, New York. He says the family farm
Cheese blocks drop, dry whey jumps Tuesday at CME
Cash dairy prices were mixed Tuesday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Dry whey was up $0.050 to $0.81. One sale was reported at that price. Forty-pound cheese blocks were down $0.325 to $1.2750. Six
Former Spencer Finance Assistant Sentenced to Jail, Ordered to Pay Restitution
A former City of Spencer finance assistant has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay $106,098.13 in restitution following convictions for theft and credit card fraud.
China’s 10 percent tariff continues to weigh on U.S. soybean trade
The president of the Missouri Soybean Association says he’s not surprised to see China continue with its 10 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans after last week’s meeting. “There’s lots of
