Local, State & Ag News
USDA sees success in phased reopening of cattle imports from Mexico
The USDA’s Deputy Secretary says reopening the US border to cattle imports from Mexico has been successful. Stephen Vaden tells Brownfield, “We had a hiccup there with a gate. Thanks
Turkey placements faster than a year ago
Turkey hatchery numbers are pointing towards increased supplies. The USDA says 21.92 million poults were hatched during August, rising 8% on the year, with 21.213 million of those poults placed
Adding value through diversification
Crop diversification provides opportunity to add value to operations. A south-central Kentucky farmer says the demand for locally grown and milled small grains has increased exponentially over the last 15
MSUE recommends growers monitor for spotted lanternfly after new detection
An Extension specialist says specialty crop growers should be following the spread of spotted lanternfly now that it’s been detected in Southwest Michigan. Michigan State University Extension’s Mike Reinke tells
Lindberg chosen for top role at UN World Food Program
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg has been selected to lead the United Nations World Food Program. Lindberg, who was nominated earlier this year by
New union lawsuit challenges USDA reorganization
The general counsel for the American Federation of Government Employees says a federal judge is considering a temporary pause to the USDA’s reorganization plan. Rushab Sanghvi says four unions representing

Dordt Named to Money’s Best Colleges 2026 List
Dordt University in Sioux Center has been named to Money magazine’s Best Colleges 2026 list, which evaluates four-year colleges based on educational quality, affordability, and student outcomes. According to a
Monarch researcher spies endangered bumblebee in Linn County
A rare bumblebee was spotted in eastern Iowa and one expert says it’s a sign habitat conservation efforts could be helping the federally-endangered species. Danielle Holthaus is a research station
Boozman: farmer bridge payments delayed as lawmakers seek path forward
The chairman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says another bridge payment is needed to help farmers navigate the record high input costs. John Boozman says more economic assistance was
‘Lobe Rangers’ say voluntary approach isn’t solving Iowa’s water quality issues
Three northern Iowa farmers have formed a non-profit to spread the message that cover crops and buffer strips along waterways are essential to improving Iowa’s water quality. They call themselves
