Agriculture

Iowa's archery, early muzzleloader seasons are underway

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:12am

Iowa’s archery deer season began October 1, and while the weather was more in line with the Iowa State Fair than deer season, hunters have been out in their tree stands and as of Tuesday morning, reported harvesting more than 5,000 deer.

   “We have a really strong contingent of archery hunters in the state,” said Jace Elliott, state deer biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “It’s their passion and they spend a lot of time in the timber. For many, this is their favorite time of year.”

Fishing Report

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:11am

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Ramp Condition: Useable

Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. The river is in excellent condition and should provide good angling opportunities.

Channel Catfish – Fair

Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast crankbaits or jig and plastics tipped with or without half a nightcrawler.

EPA withdraws proposed rule stricter water pollution guidelines for slaughterhouses

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:09am

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently withdrew a January 2024 proposed rule that would have reduced the discharge of nutrients and pollutants from meat packing plants and slaughterhouses.

The agency said it chose to withdraw the rules in an effort to prioritize the nation’s food supply and to keep food prices down.

Study shows Iowa food farmers had a $66.5M economic output

Published by admin on Thu, 10/16/2025 - 8:55am

A survey of the commercial horticulture food crops industry in Iowa showed direct specialty crop sales of more than $79 million in 2022 and even higher figures of economic output attributable to the industry.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the results of the 2023 survey  Wednesday and said it shows the local produce industry is “diverse, growing, and making a significant contribution to Iowa’s economy and agricultural identity.”

Weather boots harvest into full swing across Iowa

Published by admin on Thu, 10/16/2025 - 8:54am

“Summer-like” temperatures and almost no precipitation over the past week expedited harvest season across Iowa, according to a Monday weather summary from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said harvest was “in full swing” in the IDALS release and corn and soybean farmers said their harvests are ahead of schedule because of the weather conditions.

Farm Bureau Ag Leader Trip

Published by admin on Tue, 10/14/2025 - 10:18am

Iowa soybean harvest slightly behind average, corn ahead of schedule

Published by admin on Tue, 10/14/2025 - 10:16am

Warm, dry conditions across the state for most of the week gave Iowa farmers plenty of time in the fields to harvest corn and soybeans. 

   According to the latest crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 17% of soybean acres and 15% of corn acres across the state have been harvested. 

   Harvest figures for the Sept. 22-28 reporting period mean soybean farmers are three days behind last year and the five-year average, while corn farmers are four days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the average. 

Fishing Report

Published by admin on Tue, 10/14/2025 - 10:16am

Lake Delhi

   Anglers are catching bass. Try fishing early mornings and evenings to avoid heavy boat traffic. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast and retrieve topwater baits early morning or late evening. Spinner baits and crankbait are productive. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast and retrieve topwater baits early morning and late evening. Spinner baits and crankbaits are productive.

Manchester District Streams

   Trout streams are in excellent condition.

Fishing Report

Published by admin on Wed, 10/01/2025 - 8:16am

Lake Delhi

   Anglers are catching bass. Try fishing early mornings and evenings to avoid heavy boat traffic. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast and retrieve topwater baits early morning or late evening. Spinnerbaits and crankbait are productive. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast and retrieve topwater baits early morning or late evening. Spinnerbaits and crankbait are productive.

Manchester District Streams

   Trout streams are in excellent condition.

Iowa Ag secretary urges safety, mental health priorities as harvest season takes off

Published by admin on Wed, 10/01/2025 - 8:16am

Harvest season is underway for many Iowa farmers, as more than 65% of corn acres have reached maturity, according to the latest crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

   As farmers log long days in the combines, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig urged farmers to keep physical and mental health “top of mind.” 

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