Local, State & Ag News
5 cent tax proposed for vaping products sold in Iowa
A bill setting a five-cent tax on vapes and nicotine pouches has won approval in an Iowa Senate committee. Tony Phillips, a lobbyist for RAI Services which sells VUSE, a
New OACI study highlights the role farmers play in reducing nutrient runoff into Lake Erie
A new study shows farmers are playing a critical role in helping improve water quality across the state. Jordan Hoewischer with Ohio Farm Bureau says the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative’s 2026
Limited markets challenge Corn Belt diversity
A researcher with the Diverse Corn Belt project says limited market access is a primary challenge for farmers attempting to diversify. Brennan Radulski, postdoctoral researcher with the University of Vermont
Electric tractor startup Monarch closes doors, selling off technology
The start-up tractor company Monarch says a large global equipment manufacturer is acquiring its core technology. After seven years of developing the first autonomous electric tractor, the company says unforeseen
Using extension resources to better manage nitrogen application rates
A new Ohio State calculator is helping farmers maximize nitrogen fertilizer use. In this episode of Managing for Profit, Rachel Henry, agronomy specialist at OSU Extension, says the Corn Nitrogen
Iowa farmer gets 13 years for CFAP fraud, falsified livestock and crop claims
An Iowa farmer was recently sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for defrauding taxpayers out of more than $1.7 million. Court records show 33-year-old Tanner Seuntjens of Danbury entered
Minnesota Twins Community Fund Gifts Grant to the City of Hawarden
The Minnesota Twins Community Fund has made several grants to support various initiatives and organizations in the region, and one of those is going to the City of Hawarden. Hawarden
What’s going on with beef demand
There has been an infographic floating around that says the average price for a pound of ground beef is higher than the federal minimum wage. Despite the higher prices, demand
Several tornadoes, 3.5″ diameter hail, 88 MPH winds hit eastern Iowa
Powerful storms moved over eastern Iowa Tuesday night, bringing reports of tornadoes, large hail and high winds. Delaware County Emergency Management Coordinator Mandy Bieber says there are multiple reports of
Hundreds of Iowa drivers given tickets during hands-free enforcement effort
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau has released the numbers for the recent statewide hands-free driving law enforcement effort. The numbers show 551 hands-free citations were given to drivers and there
