Agriculture

Outdoors Briefs

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:53pm

2026 hunting, fishing licenses on sale Dec. 15

   Iowans can buy 2026 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses on Dec. 15.  Licenses purchased for 2025 expire on Jan. 10.

   The menu of license options includes the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $55; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $62; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $101.

Choose Iowa producers eligible for up to $25K in cost-share grants from state

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:52pm

   The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Monday that applications were open to farmers, small businesses and nonprofits for cost-share grants to improve processing, equipment, facilities, training, food safety, continuing education and more. 

Iowa producers of locally made and raised products are eligible for up to $25,000 in matching funds, per project, from the state as part of the Choose Iowa program.

DNR advises safety first, during Iowa's gun deer season

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:50pm

For an expected 100,000-plus deer hunters, the long wait is almost over, Iowa’s gun deer seasons are right around the corner.

   But before heading to the timber, it’s important that hunters go through their gear, sight in their gun and take time to review their hunting safety plan, said Craig Cutts, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Bureau.

State launches new strategy on chronic wasting disease ahead of deer season

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:32pm

Since 2013, chronic wasting disease has been detected in more than 500 deer across 31 Iowa counties. 

   The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has launched an updated response plan to the disease that includes collaboration with the hunting community, researchers and landowners. The plan was introduced ahead of the start to Iowa’s gun season for deer hunting, which begins Saturday. 

2025 harvest complete in Iowa; producers hope to improve ag economy in 2026

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:34pm

   The corn and soybean harvest is complete in Iowa, according to the final U.S. Department of Agriculture crop report. Producers, meanwhile, remain concerned about the cost of inputs, commodity prices and markets.

   The report said Iowa corn harvest, at 99% of acres harvested, is “virtually” complete. The national report shows the other top corn-producing states have on average just 4% left to harvest. 

Iowa's 25-year wildlife action plan open for public comments

Published by admin on Wed, 12/03/2025 - 1:33pm

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking feedback on its 25-year wildlife action plan, which must be reviewed every 10 years per federal law. 

   The action plan, according to DNR, is a strategy for how the department will conserve wildlife in the state. It was last updated and reviewed in 2015 but was initially approved in 2006. 

Iowa corn and soybean harvest essentially complete across the state

Published by admin on Wed, 11/26/2025 - 9:24am

   Just three percent of corn acres and one percent of soybean acres across the state of Iowa remain unharvested, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop progress and condition report.

   Corn harvest is just slightly ahead of the five-year average and on target with 2024 harvest figures. Soybean harvest was 100% completed this time last year, but this year’s pace is in line with the five-year average. 

Fishing Report

Published by admin on Wed, 11/26/2025 - 9:23am

Lake Delhi

Ramp Condition: Useable

   Some anglers are targeting Lake Delhi for panfish this fall; it’s a goof time of year with low boat traffic.

   Black Crappie – Fair. Concentrate your efforts near shoreline structure; use hair jigs/tube jigs or float a minnow under a slip bobber in 6-10 feet of water.

Panelists at nature summit: Certain ag practices are harming public health

Published by admin on Wed, 11/26/2025 - 9:22am

Researchers and public health advocates said Wednesday that water quality and land use continue to be modifiable elements impacting public health, and in particular cancer, in Iowa. 

   The experts spoke to a crowded conference room in the Olmsted Center at Drake University during the 2025 Iowa Nature Summit that touched on policies, practices and programs impacting a variety of Iowa’s natural elements.

Growing number of local Iowa food businesses close to 1,500, report shows

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 2:55pm

A new report from the Iowa Food System Coalition shows that Iowa has 1,461 local food businesses spread across the state.

   Coalition staff said the report shows the economic viability of local food businesses across the levels of the food system. 

   Bob Ferguson, who serves on the Farm and Food Business priority team with the coalition, said the report showed an increase in the number of on-farm stores, farm stands and local food businesses from previous estimations.

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