Q: What can be done to lower fertilizer costs? A: As a farmer-lawmaker, I’m proud to serve as an outspoken advocate for family farmers. When there’s a natural disaster or headwinds in the farm economy, I raise the volume for Rural America at the policymaking tables. At my annual 99 county ...
Many of you may have grown up on a farm or visited a friend where there was a hand pumped well in the farmyard. On a hot summer day there was nothing as refreshing as pumping that cold well water out into the cup or ladle and taking a long cool drink. This week I've been thinking about another ...
Earlier this year, I wrote that I didn’t have high hopes for this Iowa legislative session. In that regard, they didn’t disappoint when they gaveled out on May 3rd! After a lot of bluster last session with no action, this year lawmakers finally passed some form of property tax reform. ...
Matthew 6: 19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your ...
Q: Why do Americans observe National Police Week? A: When moms and dads wait for a teenage driver to return home safely or a small business owner locks up their doors for the night, Americans across the country appreciate that law enforcement officers stand on the thin blue line every day to ...
Gov. Kim Reynolds can put up her pointy-toe cowboy boots and reflect on 10 years of solid damage done under the golden dome. She might not be remembered as the worst. The Iowa History Journal ascribes that title to Gov. William L. Harding (1917-1921), who was considered for impeachment for ...
On April 30, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, moving the nation and rural communities one step closer to a new farm bill. The bill was passed by a vote of 224-200. Fourteen Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill, with three ...
Road construction along with dust, gravel, mud, and dust control were the main topics for discussion in April when Highway 63 from the 96/63 junction to Toledo closed on April 20. The Iowa DOT closed the highway to remove the pavement and replace it with asphalt, while making it a “Super 2 ...
When it comes to seed saving, it is an interesting exercise for farmers. In Iowa, where corn and soybean hybrid seed is dominant, seed saving is non-existent. Protected by Plant Variety Protection certificates and utility patents, the seed companies treat their corn and soybeans seeds like ...
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has analyzed a broad range of data on greenhouse gas emissions and the effects on U.S. climate that had been gathered by the scientific community. In their report on this analysis, the Academies stated that the evidence for ...