Agriculture

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. 

SALUTE TO PORK: New Age Sow Farm features ‘happy pigs’

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 2:49pm

Four-time biggest boar winners

     Bryan Britt, his wife Tricia, and their farm, the New Age Sow Farm has garnered a lot of attention the last couple of years, as the Britt’s have claimed the Big Boar title the last two years at the Iowa State Fair.

     The Britt’s now have four titles, winning first back in 2019. They also claimed titles in 2021, and most recently, 2024 and 2025.

Iowa's pheasant season is finally here

Published by admin on Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:13am

The phone calls began as soon as the annual pheasant survey hit the internet. Hunters from around the state and across the Midwest wanted to know “Where’s the best place to hunt?” “What do you expect hunting pressure to be?” When you’re the one coordinating the survey and the numbers come in at the highest level in a generation, that’s to be expected.

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.

Subscriber Login