Agriculture

Jones County 4-H hosting many events

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 1:46pm

   For the 2026 year in Jones County, there are 105 Clover Kids enrolled and 304 4-H members. Email jones4h@iastate.edu for more information on enrolling and re-enrolling.

   Financial support to enroll in 4-H is also available through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The financial aid form is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, and Emily Saveraid is the contact for questions.

Jones County 4-H Ski Night

Jones County Beef Producers well represented at Cattle Convention

Published by admin on Wed, 01/14/2026 - 1:45pm

Hosch retires at 30 years with Scherrman's

Published by admin on Fri, 01/02/2026 - 9:13am

There will a lot of switching roles at the Monticello Scherman’s Implement, as two are set to retire. The good news? Those taking over have already started in their new roles.

   After 30 years with Scherrman’s Implement, sales manager Gene Hosch will work his last day in Monticello on Dec. 31.

   Hosch started at the Scherrman’s in Dyersville in May of 1995, before working his first day in Monticello on Jan. 2, 1996.

Senators call for highly pathogenic avian influenza vaccine

Published by admin on Fri, 01/02/2026 - 9:10am

Nearly two dozen U.S. senators urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a letter, to “prioritize” a vaccine strategy for the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

   The virus has impacted more than 184 million commercial and backyard poultry birds and more than 1,000 head of dairy cattle since February 2022.

Prairie Hill 4-H holds November meeting

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 11:09am

The Prairie Hill 4-H meeting was hosted by the Russell and Hovey family and called to order at 6:18 p.m. The pledge to the American flag was led by Eli Moestchen. The secretary and treasurer's report were presented and approved.  

MHS FFA Food Donations

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 11:08am

Snowmobilers cheer the return of winter

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:39am

   It’s middle December, and much of Iowa is covered under a thick blanket of snow with a weekend forecast calling for high temperatures that barely scratch double digits.

   Winter has returned. And for Iowa’s snowmobilers, that’s music to their ears.

   “Clubs are already grooming trails,” said Jessica Flatt, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau that oversees the snowmobile program. “With the early snowfall and cold temperatures in the forecast, the snowmobiling outlook is positive.”

Stay safe on the ice this winter

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:38am

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds across the northern two-thirds of Iowa. Outdoor ice enthusiasts are ready to get out ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating or fat-tire bike riding.

Ag-Rural Briefs

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:37am

Secretary Naig issues statement on the Trump Administration’s assistance to American farmers

   DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced $12 billion in direct financial assistance to America’s farmers impacted by the current economic conditions and ongoing trade disruptions:

ISU study shows potential path for spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza

Published by admin on Wed, 12/17/2025 - 10:35am

   When the current outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected in dairy cattle in March 2024, a group of researchers at Iowa State University started to ask questions. 

   “If this virus can show up in cow milk, can it show up in other types of milk?” Todd Bell, a professor of veterinary pathology at ISU, recalled asking. 

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