Agriculture

Hunters in 2024 saw Iowa’s second-highest pheasant harvest since 2007

Published by admin on Wed, 07/23/2025 - 9:08am

Pheasant hunters in Iowa saw high-bag years in both 2023 and 2024.

     Harvest data for the fall season released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows an estimated 460,000 roosters were bagged in the 2024 season, making it the second-best pheasant season in nearly two decades. 

PepsiCo and Cargill partner to promote regenerative practices in Iowa

Published by admin on Wed, 07/23/2025 - 9:08am

     PepsiCo and Cargill have announced plans to expand sustainable farming practices on 240,000 acres of Iowa cropland by 2030. 

     The brands will partner with Practical Farmers of Iowa, which will give technical and financial support to farmers as they implement practices like cover crops, reduced tillage and steps to reduce nitrogen application on their operations. 

Soybeans setting pods ahead of schedule; Iowa has ‘another anomalously’ wet week

Published by admin on Wed, 07/23/2025 - 9:07am

Eighteen percent of soybeans are setting pods across the state, which is several days ahead of the five-year average. Other crops across Iowa continue to progress close to the normal schedule amid another week of above-average precipitation, according to the crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

     Corn and soybeans both rated well for the July 7-13 reporting period, respectively at 85% and 79% good to excellent. 

Hogan crowned Cowgirl Princess, Cress wins Junior Princess

Published by admin on Wed, 07/23/2025 - 9:05am

Iowa crops continue to thrive following another abnormally hot, wet week

Published by admin on Wed, 07/16/2025 - 8:33am

Corn and soybean crops continue to progress well throughout Iowa, with 15% of corn silking and 36% of soybeans blooming amid another week of above-average temperatures and precipitation, according to the latest crop progress and condition report. 

     This statistic puts corn two days ahead of the five-year average, and the report, generated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, said there were several accounts of corn reaching the dough stage across the state.

Secretary Naig issues statement following passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Published by admin on Thu, 07/10/2025 - 9:43am

   DES MOINES, Iowa – On July 3, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by the House and sent to President Trump for his signature: 

Hoover Building is the new home of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Published by admin on Thu, 07/10/2025 - 9:41am

DES MOINES, Iowa – As of July 1, 2025, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will call the Hoover State Office Building home. After more than four decades in the Henry A. Wallace State Office Building, the Department will depart the building at the end of June. The Department is the last remaining tenant of the Wallace Building.

Iowa had 'wettest' week of the season last week

Published by admin on Thu, 07/10/2025 - 9:39am

State Climatologist Justin Glisan said the June 23 through June 29 reporting period was the “wettest” of the season, with precipitation totals 2-4 inches above normal in some areas. 

   While the rain hindered some field work, it was overall beneficial for Iowa crops which continue to rate highly according to the crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Hoover Building is the new home of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Published by admin on Wed, 07/09/2025 - 1:37pm

DES MOINES, Iowa – As of July 1, 2025, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will call the Hoover State Office Building home. After more than four decades in the Henry A. Wallace State Office Building, the Department will depart the building at the end of June. The Department is the last remaining tenant of the Wallace Building.

Secretary Naig issues statement following passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Published by admin on Wed, 07/09/2025 - 1:37pm

DES MOINES, Iowa – On July 3, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by the House and sent to President Trump for his signature: 

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