(Radio Iowa) – The annual “Water Rocks” summit is underway at Iowa State University for some 31 teachers representing 24 Iowa school districts. Spokesperson Ann Stout says the workshop participants range from kindergarten to high school teachers. “It’s helping to build educators’ awareness and their knowledge base of different environmental and agricultural topics, the interconnection of our water, our land, our wildlife in the state of Iowa,” Stout says. One topic they learn about is watersheds.

“So a watershed is an area of land that all drains to a common water body. So, everything that happens on that land can ultimately affect the rivers, the streams, the lakes where that water ends up,” she says. Stout says it’s something that has been at the top of the news lately with high nitrate levels in rivers that are impacting the water supply for Des Moines and surrounding cities. The event focuses first on water issues, but Stout says they also include some other environmental topics. They will have a professor from Central College in Pella teaching about the various bats in the state.

“He’s going to share some information about the exciting role of bats, the different bats that we have here in Iowa,” she says. “And then as part of that, we will also be going on a field experience and netting bats. So, he’ll be setting out large nets and we’ll be going out at dusk to be able to see what sort of bats use different habitats here in Iowa.” Stout says the goal is to give the teachers information they can use to teach their students about these topics.

“We’re not giving them a curriculum, but we’re giving them, I would describe it as enhanced learning activities that they can then put into their existing curriculum,” Stout says. The “Water Rocks” summit got underway today (Tuesday) in Ames and wraps up tomorrow.

(Radio Iowa) – A cattle disease carried by ticks is now confirmed in Iowa for the first time in a herd of cows in southeast Iowa. Iowa State University Extension veterinarian Grant Dewell says the Theileria parasite has slowly moved from the eastern U-S. “It’s a protozoa that infects the blood cells and causes the destruction of blood cells, so it can cause some pretty severe signs of anemia and things like that in susceptible cattle,” Dewell says. It is spread by the Asian Longhorned Tick.  “This tick doesn’t act like our other ticks we’re used to. You know, typically we may see four or five ticks on an animal and with this Asian Longhorn tick, we can see a thousand ticks and it’s obvious that they’re they’re infested with the ticks. You don’t have to look very hard, you just see all these ticks on them,” he says. “So it’s a tick that reproduces rapidly.”

He says the main prevention is tick control and getting rid of them. “We don’t have any antiprotozoal drugs that we can use in cattle, so we’re we’re pretty much, if the cattle get sick, we’re going to provide some supportive care,” he says. Dr. Dewell says the cattle are not going to want to move, so you have to keep food and water in front of them. He says for a valuable cow, like a prized bull, they might do some blood transfusions. Dewell says this tick doesn’t have a taste for human blood, and sticks to certain animals. “Like cattle, deer, sheep. And so our white tailed deer are going to be moving it around,” Dewell says. “But we don’t typically see white tailed deer go from southern Iowa to northern Iowa, so you know, they’ll spread it from farm to farm and county to county, but it’s going to be kind of a slow progression that it’s gonna occur.”

Dewell says the disease has been in Missouri for a couple of years and took that long to get to Iowa.

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – Iowa crops continue to rate well, though average rainfall across Iowa last week was less than seven-tenths of an inch and some regions suffered from damaging hail storms. While the average soil moisture conditions rate 70% adequate for topsoil and 60% adequate for subsoil conditions, some regions of the state have much drier conditions, according the crop progress and condition report prepared by U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In southeast Iowa, topsoil moisture rated 34% short and 10% very short, and subsoil moisture rated 48% short. Southwest Iowa had similar figures, topsoil moisture rated 33% short and 10% very short and subsoil rated 44% short and 11% very short. West central Iowa had topsoil moisture conditions fairly close to the average for the state, but 21% of subsoil in the region rated very short of moisture.

Despite the less than desirable soil moisture conditions, the regions were on par with the state averages for crop emergence for corn, 97% emerged, and soybeans, 93% emerged. Six percent of soybeans across the state were blooming. Corn and soybean crops continue to rate well, with both at more than 80% good to excellent condition. Hay condition was similarly rated across the state and 88% of hay acres have undergone a first cutting, and 16% have already had a second cutting. Oats also rated well with an average of 19% coloring. Pasture condition dropped slightly from the week prior to 69% good or excellent and no major livestock concerns were reported.

Corn grows along south-bound Interstate 35 on June 14, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Northern parts of the state received the most rain during the June 9 through June 15 reporting period, but also suffered from large hail that damaged crops and trees. State Climatologist Justin Glisan said the state had an “unsettled weather pattern” with multiple showers and thunderstorms. Glisan said even though the rain was “widespread” the average precipitation was about half an inch below normal.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig noted the storms during the week damaged some crops, but said the overall mix of rain and warm temperatures “helped the crops progress.” “As summer officially arrives this week, forecasts are showing warmer-than-normal temperatures and continued chances of storms and widespread showers,” Naig said in a statement.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Gov. Kim Reynolds’ “healthier and cheaper” alternative to federal summer food assistance programs is again facing criticism that it is less convenient and covers fewer food-insecure Iowans than the national program and offers families fewer choices than initially promised.

Reynolds’ Healthy Kids Iowa was announced in May after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the pilot program as an alternative to the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. The federal program would have added $40 per month to a family’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program card for each school-age child during schools’ summer break that can be used at retailers across the state.

The Healthy Kids Iowa program was billed in the initial release as having “more than 500 access points statewide.” Currently, there are 254 access points for the governor’s program, where families can pick up pre-made boxes of food, valued at $40, to be prepared at home.  A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services said the remaining access points are summer meal sites overseen by the Department of Education, where kids can eat a meal on site.

Meanwhile, there are over 2,900 retailers across Iowa that accept SNAP benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advocates for food assistance say the state’s program falls far short of Summer EBT as a way to get help to families in need. “Transportation barriers exist whether you’re two blocks away from a summer meal site or a Healthy Kids Iowa site or 20 miles,” said Luke Elzinga, board chair of Iowa Hunger Coalition.

Additionally, in the May announcement, Iowans were told they could “choose their monthly items, respecting their preferences and cultural and dietary needs.” Elzinga says that this is something his team “hasn’t necessarily seen pan out.” However, certain locations, such as the HACAP food reservoir in Hiawatha, allow families to choose from three prepackaged “menus.”

Reynolds said in an interview in late May with “Iowa Press,” the program cost the state around $9 million to administer. A more recent Facebook post from the governor’s office claims the new program cost the state $19,000 in administrative costs.

Iowa HHS contracted six Feeding America Food Banks to administer the new program throughout the state. These food banks are in charge of sourcing the food, finding distribution partners and determining areas of need throughout the state. “Well, it’s a heavy lift but we’re getting it done,” said Annette Hacker, vice president of Food Bank of Iowa. “It’s funding relief that was not available in our state the past two years, so obviously we support any effort that will get more food on the table for Iowa kids.”

Produce at a grocery store. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Hacker said her team had “just a little over a month to prepare.” Preliminary talks with Iowa HHS on a plan for this program began in April with a revised plan being submitted on June 3. Some Healthy Kids Iowa sites began serving food the next day. Hacker said this was made possible by the commitment of 125 of the food bank’s 700 partners, which are acting as sites for the program.

The food itself is chosen in accordance with the USDA “Thrifty Food Plan,” which focuses on foods that are “nutritious, broadly appeal to kids and/or are easy to prepare by kids and caregivers.” Eligible families are given one pre-made box of food per month, per child at one of 254 locations statewide.

Some examples of items the Food Bank of Iowa purchased are macaroni and cheese cups, pasta and sauce, 1% milk, fruit and vegetable cups, ground beef, fresh produce (including avocados, grapes, pears, clementines and apples), shredded cheese, fresh eggs, protein waffle/pancake mix, tortillas, deli meat, whole wheat crustless sandwiches made with a peanut butter alternative, and protein shakes. However, available foods vary at each site.

Despite an emphasis on fresh foods and produce, Hacker says there “shouldn’t be any concerns about perishability because everything is fresh, first run, good, nutritious food.” The team has deliberately chosen fresh foods with longer shelf life. Hacker also said Food Bank of Iowa “can stretch a dollar pretty far” because purchases are made in bulk. Hacker said Food Bank of Iowa is “gravely concerned” about the proposed cuts to SNAP under the “big, beautiful bill” and says it will have “devastating impacts” on Iowa families. The expansive budget bill would cut upward of $220 billion from SNAP, the biggest cut in the history of the program.

(Iowa DNR News) – Iowa woodlands, wildlands and waterways draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users each year. Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature. Uninvited guests can hitch a ride on outdoor gear, shoes and clothes, traveling hundreds of miles in a single day.

Take these easy steps to stop the spread of invasive species in your community.

1. Verify that the plants you buy for your yard or garden are not invasive. Many non-native plants can become invasive. The Forest Invasive Species Guide includes quick ID photos and common management techniques to control 19 invasive trees, shrubs and plants.
2. Look for spongy moth egg masses on all outdoor equipment when traveling from a spongy moth quarantined area.
3. Clean your boots before and after you hike in a new area to avoid spreading seeds. This is a common way garlic mustard and other plants are spread.
4. Do not buy or sell firewood from outside your county. Firewood can contain emerald ash borer, Sirex woodwasp, Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt and many more pests. Plenty of firewood is available locally near state and county parks. Make sure to burn all of the firewood at the campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.
5. Work with your Private Lands Forester for plans to make your forests more resilient to invasive species.

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Is your newly planted tree thirsty? You may need to water trees planted in the spring or summer one to three times a week in the first few months after planting. Water early in the morning or evening so the tree roots have a chance to absorb most of the water and the sun can’t evaporate it away. Check the moisture level in the soil near the tree’s trunk (four to six inches below the surface) at least once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather. If the soil feels moist or damp you can hold off on watering, if it is dry you need to water your tree. The soil should be moist, but not saturated after watering.

Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering for optimal growth and health. A gallon of water is equal to about one inch of rainfall.

• Immediately after planting and mulching – 5-15 gallons, depending on container size
• Week 1 – 2 gallons of water per diameter inch of trunk daily
• Week 2 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 4-5 days per week
• Week 3 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 2-3 days per week
• Week 4 and thereafter – 2 gallons per diameter inch once per week

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The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 22 to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) this fall. Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.  Studies show trees planted around schools and in neighborhoods give youth increased levels of concentration, lower levels of aggression, lower levels of obesity and fewer symptoms of ADHD.

Cass County: Corn $4.20 Beans $10.14
Adair County: Corn $4.17 Beans $10.17
Adams County: Corn $4.17 Beans $10.13
Audubon County: Corn $4.19 Beans $10.16
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.23 Beans $10.14
Guthrie County: Corn $4.22 Beans $10.18
Montgomery County: Corn $4.22 Beans $10.16
Shelby County: Corn $4.23 Beans $10.14

Oats: $3.16 (same in all counties)

(Des Moines, Iowa)  – Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in their latest “Beach Monitoring” report, said visitors are free to swim at a popular Council Bluffs beach.

Last week, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources classified the beach at Lake Manawa State Park as “vulnerable” due to E. coli levels. That has now been updated to “ok for swimming,” with no indication of bacteria or Algal toxin.

There’s only one beach in the state where swimming is not recommended — Emmerson Bay State Recreation Area at West Okoboji Lake, because test results exceeds the single sample standard for E.Coli.

(Lewis, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board held a youth fishing derby at Cold Springs Park on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Prizes were awarded for the most overall weight: 1st Breken Amos; 2nd Cillia Shinkle; 3rd Waylon Carrigan. Awards also given for heaviest single fish and longest single fish: Breken Amos;, and shortest single fish Braxton Miller.

The CCCB thank the businesses that donated items for the event: Weirich Welding for the trophies; Cappel’s Ace Hardware, and Scheels for prizes.

(From left to right): Cillia Shinkle; Breken Amos; Waylon Carrigan; Braxton Miller. (Photo courtesy Cass County Naturalist Lora Kanning).

SIDNEY, Iowa – Southwest Iowa area producers are invited to an evening pasture walk with Jake and Shane Smith on July 1 at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in Sidney. Experts from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will cover a number of topics during the program. The event begins at 6 p.m. with supper served by the Fremont County Cattlemen, followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 1004 Legion Rd, Sidney.

Speakers are ISU extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, ISU extension field agronomist Aaron Saeugling, and NRCS district conservationist Lucas Forney. Their topics include pasture condition scoring, grazing management, weed control and pasture fertility, common forage insects, and USDA programs. The event will wrap up with a walk-through of the Smiths’ cattle pasture, located just west of the fairgrounds.

The Fremont County Pasture Walk takes place July 1st

Preregister by June 25 by calling 712-374-2351 or emailing xfremont@iastate.edu. Be sure to request any special accommodations, including dietary needs, when you preregister. This program is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to participants. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach educational programs are supported by federal, state, and county funds, as well as grants, contracts, user fees, and donations.