(Radio Iowa) – The state and other partners are launching a more than one-point-nine MILLION dollar project in five Iowa counties to reduce nitrate run-off into the Beaver Creek Watershed. A 380 square mile area drains into the watershed and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the money will be used over the next three years to finance conservation measures around Beaver Creek.

“Things that will have an impact on reducing nitrate loss and nitrate levels in the stream and so of course that’s of interest, certainly, in central Iowa, but I would stress that it’s really been a focus of ours now for several years,” Naig said, “and we’ve done projects like this before and so it’s a next round, if you will.” Beaver Creek flows into the Des Moines River, a drinking water source for over 600-thousand customers in metro Des Moines.

Central Iowa Water Works has banned lawn watering since June 12 as the utility’s nitrate treatment facility has had a hard time keeping up with high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Naig says he’s focused on collaboration with the utility and other parties. “We know that they’ve got infrastructure needs and investments that they certainly need to make on the water treatment side and there’s work that needs to be done and is being done upstream in the farm landscape,” Naig said.

“It’s time to talk again, of course, and we’ll continue that conversation…I don’t think that playing the blame game is a good idea. Let’s figure out ways we can work together on both ends of the equation.” This latest water quality project along Beaver Creek will finance efforts in Boone, Webster, Greene, Dallas, and Polk Counties, like bolstering oxbows in the stream.

“When a stream meandered and then through flooding or just normal kind of how the water flows, it’ll cut a new channel, but it leaves the remnant of that bow out of the stream and so what you can actually do is work to engineer those in a way that they can once again be useful in denitrifying water,” Naig said. Over time, soil fills in oxbows, but Naig says mapping can discover where those oxbows were and plans can be made to restore those side channels along Beaver Creek into wetlands.

“They are a low cost practice that can be very, very effective,” Naig said. “They don’t work everywhere and they don’t exist everywhere, but where they do they make a ton of sense.” The money will also be used to help landowners build saturated buffers and bioreactors that filter run off from farm fields.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture, the Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District and other public and private groups are partners in the project.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal comments on administrative rules related to game harvest reporting and landowner tenant registration. Executive Order 10 (EO10), signed by Governor Reynolds on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes public engagement with the opportunity for input.

The Iowa DNR has reviewed chapter 571 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 95 (Game Harvest Reporting and Landowner-Tenant Registration). Based on the review, DNR has revised this chapter to modernize processes and improve clarity to customers on methods to report harvests. The public is invited to provide informal comments on the proposed rule changes. DNR will accept written comments through July 15, 2025. Written comments regarding the proposed rules should be submitted to: denise.roberg@dnr.iowa.gov. Comments should be made to specific portions of the rule.

After receiving and reviewing informal comments, the DNR will create a draft Regulatory Analysis and draft Notice of Intended Action.

Drafts of the rules, including a “clean” copy and a version showing revisions, can be found on the DNR webpage: www.iowadnr.gov/eo10.

(Iowa DNR News) -Iowa’s 2024 estimated pheasant harvest was the second highest in nearly two decades, coming in at more than 460,000 roosters last fall, surpassed only by the 2023 harvest of 590,000. This is the best back to back pheasant harvest years since 2007. Only South Dakota had more pheasants harvested last year. The 2024 August pheasant survey showed a population decline of 14 percent from 2023, likely due to ill-timed spring flooding across northwestern Iowa. “The roadside counts were confirmed in the small game harvest hunter survey, but overall we had a really good fall and are looking forward to this year’s August roadside survey to see where the bird numbers are ahead of the 2025 season,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The statewide August roadside survey is conducted by Iowa DNR staff between Aug. 1-15, who drive 225, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew. Hen pheasants will move their broods to the edge of the gravel road to dry off before they begin feeding, which makes them easier to count. Bogenschutz estimated more than 77,400 hunters pursued pheasants in Iowa last fall, down from 83,600 in 2023. Iowa’s quail hunters harvested 27,500 birds or 2,700 fewer than last year. Iowa’s rabbit and squirrel harvest both increased over 2023; rabbits by 13 percent to an estimated 77,000, squirrels by 32 percent, to more than 124,300. Iowa mourning dove hunters harvested an estimated 143,000 doves, down from the 195,000 in 2023.

A century of pheasant hunting

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated. Hunters can commemorate the 100^th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year when they purchase their 2025 hunting and fishing licenses.

Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting link at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s biodiesel producers says a credit in the spending and tax bill signed by President Donald Trump last week should help the industry. Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberly credits Iowa’s Congressional delegation for negotiating several provisions that will help smaller biodiesel producers, who have been struggling recently.  “Senator Grassley in particular, was, was really solely instrumental in making sure that also the small producer biodiesel credit was added into this. They call it the 40-A, the, the old program bringing it back, and adding that in, and, and that’s going to, in particular help plants in Iowa, the independent biodiesel plants in Iowa and throughout the Midwest,” he says.

Some smaller biodiesel plants in the state have been idled due to market uncertainty.  “This is really important to get this legislation passed. I mean, the, the biodiesel industry has been struggling, to put it lightly here in the last, really in the last year and a half.”

Kimberly says they’ll still need more guidance on tax credits before production returns to full capacity.

(Radio Iowa) – A federal report on economic activity shows Iowa’s gross domestic product — or G-D-P — fell just over six percent in the first three months of the year. The G-D-P fell in 39 states, but Nebraska and Iowa tied for the biggest drop. Iowa State University economist Peter Orazem says Iowa’s has been growing more slowly than the rest of the country. “We started growing more slowly than the U.S. in 2018 and if you go back to the start of the pandemic, we’ve not added any jobs,” Orazum said, “so I don’t think Iowa has been doing particularly well not in just the last quarter, but the last seven years.” The latest figures show about about 36-thousand fewer people are in the Iowa workforce compared to early 2020.

“And Iowa goes into the pandemic as one of the older labor forces in the country,” Orazem says, “and so one of the problems that Iowa has faced since the pandemic recovery has been we simply don’t have enough workers to fill jobs, and atypically compared to other states.” Iowa State University ag economist Chad Hart says the feed grains side of Iowa’s agricultural sector is struggling right now, which has had an impact on ag-related manufacturing. “We think of Deere. We think of Kinze,” Hart says. “…We’ve seen the layoffs over the past year with those two big giants, along with a lot of other smaller firms doing that.” Hart says agricultural sector of Iowa’s economy took a hit a few years ago and then farm income dropped about four percent again in 2024.

“When we think about agriculture here in Iowa, it impacts all other sectors as well,” Hart says. “…When you think about what’s the biggest thing on the real estate side, that’s farm values…The crop insurance industry is a big industry here and so when you think about, ‘Ag slows down,’ all these other industries related to that slow down as well.” The two I-S-U economists made their comments during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa P-B-S. Last week, Governor Reynolds said the recent drop in Iowa’s G-D-P is linked to declines in Iowa’s ag sector, plus challenges in the state’s financial services and insurance industries. Iowa’s insurance industry accounts for about 11 percent of the state’s G-D-P.

AMES, Iowa — Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers are invited to participate in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2025 field day season. This year, more than 60 farmer-led events are happening across Iowa and surrounding states from June through November. All events are led by PFI farmer members who are eager to share their knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operations. One of the PFI Field Day events will take place July 22nd, from 10-a.m. until Noon, near Elliott (IA). The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Liz Kolbe, PFI’s farmer-led education director, says “It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or have been farming for decades, or if you farm 2 acres or 2,000 – there’s something for everyone at a PFI field day.” Field days cover a wide range of topics, showcasing farmers with operations of all sizes and production practices. This year’s events explore conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of various scales and species; fruit and vegetable production; flowers and orcharding; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; and more.

Health and Happiness With Pastured Farrowing

To continue to serve PFI’s growing network, 13 field days will be held in states outside of Iowa, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. PFI field days are free to attend and open to all – membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required or expected. Events are marked by a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

All events occur rain or shine. While RSVPs are not required for most field days, they are appreciated to help with event and meal planning. The full list of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.

Practical Farmers’ 2025 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Diverse Corn Belt; Grain Millers; Green Cover; Mad Capital; Naylor Seed; Niman Ranch; Organic Valley; Sunderman Farm Management Co.; and Tidal Grow AgriScience.

Cass County: Corn $4.09 Beans $10.18
Adair County: Corn $4.06 Beans $10.21
Adams County: Corn $4.06 Beans $10.17
Audubon County: Corn $4.08 Beans $10.20
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.18
Guthrie County: Corn $4.11 Beans $10.22
Montgomery County: Corn $4.11 Beans $10.20
Shelby County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.18

Oats: $3.20 (same in all counties)

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The start of the 2025 Cass County (IA) Fair, in Atlantic, is a little less then three-weeks away. Officials with Cass County ISU Extension say Fair week is a celebration of hard work and dedication to 4-H and FFA programs throughout the past year. The week is filled with activities: free entertainment, great food, and projects to view both in the building and barns. Fair week officially kicks off July 24th and ends July 29th, after the livestock sale.

4-Hers have been working hard all year to complete projects and get them ready for this week-long showcase. Their first opportunity for judging starts with the Clothing Event contest along with the Table Setting contest. These events are judged before fair starts and are on display in the building during fair week. Awards for these contests will be given Friday evening as part of the Friday Evening Building Showcase.

Clothing Event involves 4-H’ers across Cass County who will display their skills in purchasing and creating outfits for all purposes. The judging of this contest will take place before the fair starts on July 10th at the Cass County Community Center. Participants competed in three divisions: Fashion Revue, Clothing Selection, the $20 Challenge, and Innovative Design.

Fashion Revue participants made their garments using design elements and principles such as line, shape, color and texture. Members who chose to participate in this event must sew, construct, hand-knit, machine-knit, crochet garment(s). Clothing Selection outfits and are evaluated on overall appearance, as well as their knowledge of selection, including appropriateness, care, and money spent on the outfit. The $20 Challenge is an opportunity for 4-Hers to challenge themselves by purchasing a complete outfit for under $20. Innovative Design is a challenge for participants to create a costume, cosplay, wearable technology, sustainable/upcycled fashion, accessible fashion, or outfits that use unconventional materials.

Table Setting is a fun way to learn how to properly set a table, plan nutritious meals, and express originality and creativity. Exhibitors choose a theme, present to a judge, express knowledge of food, nutrition and food safety, and have fun planning a special occasion meal for entertaining. Exhibitors can enter a casual or formal place setting display, dishes to menus, and decorations to clothing worn during judging! Judging for this event will take place on July 15th at the Cass County Community Center. Entries are photographed and will be displayed at the fair for public viewing in the Community Center.

Awards will be presented during Friday Evening’s Building Showcase in the Community Center. Winners will be chosen from each age division and in each category. Those winners will have the opportunity to advance to the Regional Table Setting Contest in August.

Be sure to check out all the entries from this year’s Clothing Event contest and the Table Setting Contest which will be on display in the Community Center during fair week!

(Des Moines, Iowa) – This holiday weekend, 13 beaches in Iowa have advisories posted with regard to swimming. (More information can be found HERE) Beaches are updated each Friday with advisories Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The Iowa DNR’s State Park Beach Monitoring Program indicated the following:

10 Beaches with an E. coli Advisory:
Backbone Beach (Dundee, Delaware County, IA)* 
Beed’s Lake Beach (Hampton, Franklin County, IA)* 
Denison Beach (Black Hawk Lake, Lake View, Sac County, IA)*
Lake Darling Beach (Brighton, Washington County, IA)*
Lake Manawa Beach (Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA)* 
Lewis and Clark Beach (Blue Lake, Onawa, Monona County, IA)* 
Lower Pine Lake Beach (Eldora, Hardin County, IA)* 
Nine Eagles Beach (Davis City, Decatur County, IA)* 
North Twin Lake West Beach (Rockwell City, Calhoun County, IA)*
Prairie Rose Beach (Harlan, Shelby County, IA)* 

3 Beaches with a Microcystin Advisory
Green Valley Beach (Creston, Union County, IA)*
Lake Darling Beach (Brighton, Washington County, IA)*
McIntosh Woods Beach (Clear Lake, Ventura, Cerro Gordo County, IA)*

3 City and County Beaches exceed the state’s advisory threshold for E. coli.*
(City and County beaches do not report levels of algal toxins) 
View the map on our website to see where.

*Data from the Iowa DNR State Park Beach Monitoring Program
**Data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

Note: Monitoring has been suspended at Lake Keomah due to renovation activities. George Wyth Park is closed due to flooding.

 No advisories
 E. coli advisory
 Microcystin advisory
 E. coli and microcystin advisories
 Exceeds state advisory threshold for E. coli (what does this mean?)
 Beach closed