Local, State & Ag News
Crop variability is the name of the game
An agronomy specialist with Golden Harvest says crop conditions are a mixed bag across the Corn Belt. “Places look really good and then across the road not so much.” Stefan
AI expands precision agriculture with plant-level management
The director of the Ag Autonomy Institute at Mississippi State University says artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of agriculture. Alex Thomasson says AI can take precision agriculture
Farmer says fertilizer price solution needed soon
An eastern Iowa farmer says fertilizer price relief is needed sooner rather than later. Lance Lillibridge of Vinton says the situation is dire. “The check engine light is on and
Rep. Hinson pushes for greater domestic fertilizer production
U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says fertilizer costs remain a significant challenge as farmer face tight margins. During a media call Tuesday morning, the Iowa Republican said the US needs continued
Harvest just days away for southern Iowa farmer
A south-central Iowa farmer says his 2026 fall harvest will get underway soon. Steve Kuiper raises corn and soybeans near Knoxville in Marion County. “I think we’ll cut some beans
Wertish: lawmakers still considering $12 billion in farm relief
Lawmakers are indicating another round of Farm Bridge Assistance payments remain in the works. Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish is in Washington D.C. this week for the annual Farmers

High Pipe Sentenced Up to 20 Years in Lyon County Courthouse Burglary
(SCR and KIWA) — One of the two men charged in the December burglary and vandalism of the Lyon County Courthouse has been sentenced to up to 20 years in
Farmers looking beyond traditional row crops
Some farmers fear current farm policy is limiting efforts to diversify operations. Jerry Skees, is a farmer and retired ag economist in central Kentucky. “We’ve created public policy with unintended consequences
Farmer documentation key to accessing potential 45Z benefits
The CEO of Continuum Ag says recently announced updates to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit provide a clear path for farmers to benefit from incorporating regenerative ag practices. However,
Higher corn prices expected to drive swine finishing feed costs in 2027
An ag economist says higher corn prices are expected to increase feed costs for pork producers next year. Michael Langemeier with Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture says finishing feed costs are
