Agriculture

Fishing Report

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 2:34pm

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Ramp Condition: Useable

   The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition. Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass in Delaware County. Focus your efforts in the deeper portions of the river as water temperatures decline and fish move into the overwintering areas.

   Smallmouth Bass – Good. Cast Crankbaits or a jig tipped with a nightcrawler/minnow or float a nightcrawler under a slip bobber.

4-H PARTICIPANTS WIN ANNUAL AWARDS

Published by admin on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 2:33pm

Iowa farmers begin transition to fall field work

Published by admin on Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:45pm

   Most farmers in Iowa are finished with corn and soybean harvest or have just a handful of acres left in the field, according to average harvest rates. 

   Exact data is not available due to the ongoing government shutdown, which paused crop progress and condition reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

DNR says furbearer population 'in good shape' at beginning of season

Published by admin on Wed, 11/12/2025 - 12:44pm

Craig Sweet, president of Iowa Trappers Association, is set to begin his 53rd season fur trapping this fall, just as soon as he gets the rest of his crops out of the field. 

   According to Iowa Department of Natural Resources, furbearer season, which begins Saturday in Iowa, has had an “uptick” in interest due, in part, to workshops led by Iowa Trappers Association. 

Temperatures normal across Iowa, but conditions dry as harvest season wanes

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 1:31pm

Temperatures across the state of Iowa were near the climatological normal, though precipitation was below average as parts of the state slid into dry conditions for the close of harvest season, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 

   The IDALS weekly weather report also noted Iowa experienced its first widespread frost during the Oct. 20 through Oct. 26 reporting period. 

Barker receives Bob Schlutz Memorial Award at 2025 Iowa State Fair

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 1:30pm

   The 2025 Iowa State Fair brought well-deserved recognition to longtime Angus breeder and advocate Cheryl Barker of Monticello, who was honored with the Bob Schlutz Memorial Award. This award is presented each year by the Iowa Angus Association to a former Iowa Junior Angus Association (IJAA) member who has remained active in the Angus industry and continues to make a lasting impact.

Farm groups 'encouraged' by trade deal with China for U.S. soybeans

Published by admin on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 1:28pm

Iowa farm groups and leadership celebrated President Donald Trump’s trade deal with China Thursday, which included substantial purchases of soybeans for 2025 and subsequent years. 

   Farm groups said the trade deal was “encouraging” but also noted the need to continue looking for export markets and developing domestic soybean markets. 

Harvest wrapping up for some farmers across Iowa

Published by admin on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 10:38am

Iowa farmers are near the end of harvest season for corn and soybean crops following yet another week of above-average temperatures in the state. 

   While crop progress and condition reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have not been issued since the start of the current government shutdown, reports from past years show farmers are typically more than halfway done with corn harvest and more than 80% complete with soybean harvest at this point in October. 

SALUTE TO PORK: Monticello’s Hog Slat sells to customers near and far

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 2:54pm

The customers who walk into Hog Slat in Monticello keep Bill Daly and Jill Weber well entertained. 

Daly, the store’s manager, and Weber, who handles sales, are the only employees at the agriculture equipment provider located along U.S. 151 just north of Monticello. They enjoy their work because it allows them to forge relationships with farmers near and far. 

SALUTE TO PORK: Fellinger family rides highs and lows of pork production

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 2:50pm

Tanner Fellinger didn’t fly too far from the nest. 

The 2011 Monticello graduate -- along with high school sweetheart Taryn -- planted their roots along Goose Hill Road in a four-square farmhouse not too far from the family farm. Siblings and uncles are just a stone’s throw away. 

It's the life Fellinger always envisioned. 

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