Author: staff

Residents in Carey, Ohio, are still reeling after a manure leak two weeks ago turned Poverty Run Creek red and raised serious concerns about drinking water safety. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that liquid hog manure from Wyandot Pork leaked into the creek, causing it to discolor and spread contamination. Despite state EPA statements that there were no known impacts to wildlife, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has said a fish kill investigation is underway. Dozens of neighbors filled Crawford Township’s meeting hall earlier this week, demanding clarity from state and county officials. However, no representatives from the…

U.S. sales of combines dropped 43.7%, while overall agricultural tractor sales fell by 4.9% in July 2025 compared with July 2024, according to numbers from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Canadian sales, on the other hand, increased in July 2025 compared with last year. Combine sales grew 11.4%, and sales of 2WD tractors grew 3%. “While we’re encouraged by the modest growth in Canadian combine and tractor sales, the significant declines in the U.S. reflects ongoing caution in the marketplace,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of AEM. “We believe farmers across North America are carefully evaluating their capital…

Family farms comprise 95 percent of all U.S. farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The farm typology report primarily focuses on the “family farm,” defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer. The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria: who owns the operation and gross cash farm income (GCFI). GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government…

For over 100 years, the Iowa State Fair’s Butter Cow has been one of the most iconic attractions for fairgoers. From its beginnings in 1911 to its 600-pound creamy presence today, the butter cow has become a beloved tradition celebrating both Iowa’s agricultural heritage and artistic ingenuity. Now, this legendary sculpture is making history beyond the fairgrounds, heading to Washington, D.C., for a national exhibition at the Smithsonian. This year’s Butter Cow shared the spotlight with a beloved animated cast. Sarah Pratt, along with apprentices Hannah and Grace, sculpted a tribute to Toy Story’s 30th anniversary. Set against the backdrop…

Just before 9:30 a.m. CT, December corn was up 4½¢ at $4.08½ per bushel. November soybeans were up 10½¢ at $10.46½ per bushel. “Fresh news is light [Thursday] morning as it has been all week.” Karl Setzer, partner with Consus Ag Consulting said, “Crop tour results continue to point out good yields, but not the level needed to reach current USDA production estimates. More cases of corn disease are being reported, mainly fungus. Southern rust, tar spot, and simple mold are also being reported across the Corn Belt. Even if these do not impact production, which they likely will, corn…

1. Wheat Futures Higher on Technical Buying Wheat futures were higher in overnight trading on technical buying and amid signs of demand for U.S. grain.  Investors who were short the market, or had bet on lower prices, may have bought back contracts on indications that prices may be low enough to spur demand. Overseas buyers have committed to buy 11 million metric tons of U.S. wheat since the start of the grain’s marketing year on June 1, according to data from the Department of Agriculture.  That’s up 24% from the same period last year.  Corn, whose sales since the start…

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 18. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of North Dakota’s most important crops in mid-August. Weather North Dakota has gotten much more moisture than normal, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.  Iowa Environmental Mesonet In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 17, compared to 4.5 days this time last year. USDA rated North Dakota topsoil moisture 5% short, 81% adequate, and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 1% very short,…

December corn ended the day up less than a penny at $4.04 per bushel. November soybeans closed up 2¼¢ at $10.36 per bushel.  December CBOT wheat ended the day up 7¢ at $5.28¼ per bushel. December KC wheat closed up 1½¢ at $5.23¼ per bushel. December Minneapolis wheat was up 1½¢ at $5.89. October live cattle closed up $3.50 at $234.85 per hundredweight (cwt). September feeder cattle were up $5.68 at $358.10 per cwt. October lean hogs were down 20¢ at $89.95 per cwt. As of 2:16 p.m. CT, October crude oil was up $1.14 at $62.91 per barrel. As…

By Cami Koons The Iowa Utilities Commission on Wednesday held its first monthly public commission meeting since August 2023, and heard public comment from landowners opposed to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. IUC decided to resume regular public meetings shortly after Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoed a bill that would have restricted the use of eminent domain for hazardous liquid pipelines. In her veto, Reynolds also called for greater transparency in the commission through increased attendance at hearings and informational meetings.  The commission has held meetings and public hearings scheduled for specific docket items, many of which move into closed session. Commission Chair Sarah Martz…

Health insurance marketplace enrollees are set to experience the steepest median premium increases in five years, with individual market plans facing an average proposed increase of 18 percent as of August 6, 2025, according to some of the newest data available. Simultaneously, scheduled reductions in premium tax credits beginning January 2026 will send out-of-pocket costs soaring an average of 93 percent across states using HealthCare.gov. The new analysis from The Century Foundation warns that rural Americans are on the brink of devastating increases in health care costs as insurance premiums rise and federal tax credits shrink. This combination of higher…