Local, State & Ag News
Recent moisture helps, but drought concerns remain across Central Plains
Some producers in the Central Plains say that despite recent moisture, the on-going drought continues to impact crop conditions and feed supplies. Southwest Nebraska farmer Roric Paulman says his corn
Minnesota Corn leader urges Senate to act on year-round E15
A south-central Minnesota farmer who owns shares in a local ethanol plant is encouraged by congressional movement on year-round nationwide E15. Tim Waibel grows corn and soybeans near Courtland and
Research shows corn fungicide application at tasseling pays off most often
As disease pressure ramps up across the Corn Belt, many growers are trying to determine the return on investment for fungicide. Tyler Harp with Syngenta tells Brownfield research indicates an

Sioux County Places One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers, Battery Storage Projects
Sioux County supervisors have approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers and battery energy storage systems in the county’s unincorporated areas as officials work to better understand the potential
Labor shortages continue to strain U.S. dairy farmers, industry pushing for long-term reform
Nationwide labor shortages continue to put pressure on the U.S. dairy industry. Brian Rexing, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Indiana, says the industry is being forced to deal with limited

New Study Highlights Dordt’s Economic Footprint in Sioux County
A new economic impact study found that Dordt University generated $163.3 million in added income for the Sioux County economy during the 2024-25 fiscal year and supported nearly 2,000 jobs
Senate Ag Committee set to release farm bill draft
The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to unveil a comprehensive farm bill text today. On a call with reporters this morning, Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley thanked committee chair John

Registration Open for 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Contest
(KTIV) — Young musicians from across the state are being invited to showcase their talents as registration is now open for the 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Contest. The annual competition,
Grassley: Saving Social Security may mean changes to wage cap, retirement age
Without action by Congress, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Social Security recipients will face a deep reduction in benefits late in 2032. Grassley, a Republican, is scheduled to chair a
Farmers across Illinois are better managing their fields through the work of the Precision Conservation Management program. In this Managing for Profit, Heather Hampton Knodle, a Montgomery Country farmer, discusses
