(Clarinda, IA) – Officials with Page County ISU Extension are inviting crop producers to attend an informal, question and answer session next Wednesday, January 14th, at the Ice House, in Clarinda (1515 S. 16th St.), beginning at 6-p.m.  The Q&A session is designed to help you make the most out of every dollar you invest in your operation. Tim Christensen, Farm Management Specialist, and Aaron Saeugling, Agronomy Specialist, with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will lead the informative session.

Topics covered include:

· 2026 Cost of Production
· Marketing Strategies
· Market Update
· Planning Resources
· Soil Fertility & Lime
· Keeping more of your Profits

Dinner is sponsored by Iowa Corn. The cost for the session and dinner is $20 per person. To register, please call the Page County Extension Office at 712-542-5171.

Photos via Page County ISU Extension

The fees for service will be used to off-set direct expenses and to support the Agricultural and Natural Resources County Extension Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full
non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal.

Cass County: Corn $4.15 Beans $10.12
Adair County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.15
Adams County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.11
Audubon County: Corn $4.14 Beans $10.14
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.18 Beans $10.12
Guthrie County: Corn $4.17 Beans $10.16
Montgomery County: Corn $4.17 Beans $10.14
Shelby County: Corn $4.18 Beans $10.12

Oats: $2.67 (same in all counties)

(Prices are per bushel; information is from the area Farm Service Agency [FSA] offices)

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is proposing the first-ever “Iowa Farm Act” that includes a wide ranging of proposals, from targeted tax relief to promotion of agritourism.

“It’s something that you can actually think of as being akin to a Farm Bill like we would see at the national level. There are some other states across the country that have done similar things,” Naig said. “…I think it brings a focus on the farm economy, on farmers, on agriculture and it also represents kind of the broad range, the diversity of our agriculture.” Naig says the bill was developed after discussions with different groups about their priorities.

“We’ve got provisions in here that affect beekeepers and specialty crop producers, row crop producers, livestock and biosecurity and ag businesses as well,” Naig said. “We bring together that diverse array of ag interests in the form of the Iowa Farm Act.” Naig describes one section of the bill as an attempt to modernize zoning exemptions. For example, if an apple grower decides they want to start making apple cider or hard cider on site, Naig says it would be good to clarify whether that’s still a farming operation or a commercial operation.

“We’re trying to increase those types of operations where we’re seeing farmers able to process and sell director to consumers and do more of that activity on their farms. We think now’s an opportunity to kind of clear the way and provide some clarity around what is a farm operation — what’s included and what isn’t,” Naig said. “And it’s not that we’re looking for a new type of exemption for farms, we’re just looking to clarify some of the activities that you may not have previously thought of, like processing.” The bill includes some “agricultural experience” definitions, in order to boost agritourism.

“Meaning events being held on farms, maybe even being able to stay overnight in a cabin or something on a farm,” Naig said. “And how do we continue to clear the way for that, bring clarity, protect consumers and yet allow for this opportunity expand in the state of Iowa?”

The Iowa Farm Act includes a few tax proposals, too, like expanding a tax break for retired farmers and exempting honey bee purchases from the state sales tax. Naig says there’s no sales tax on livestock sales, but beekeepers have to charge the sales tax on the queen bees they raise and sell to clients, many of whom are in other states.

(Radio Iowa) – The forecast calls for parts of southwest Iowa to have high temperatures this (Wednesday) afternoon in the low 60s, but water temperatures will be much colder, so an expert says to leave your canoe or kayak in the shed, for now. Todd Robertson, the Iowa D-N-R’s river programs water trails coordinator, says it’s easy to be fooled by the sunny, unseasonably warm weather and he reminds, it may feel like April, but it’s still January.

“There’s no way the water’s going to be heating up to a safe level,” Robertson says. “If you don’t have a dry suit, if you’re not experienced in winter paddling, being out there on really cold water in a cold environment, it’s not a good time to go. I know it’s real tempting and you’ve been cooped up all winter, but we just need to wait a little bit longer.” Most Iowa lakes, rivers and streams are still registering water temperatures in the 30s, and seasoned paddlers know to plan for the worst case — which means getting wet.

“When the water temperature is below 60°, that puts you at automatic risk for hypothermia or worse,” Robertson says. “We know it’s really cold. It’s deceiving because you feel like you want to go out there without a jacket and just think you can paddle, but as soon as you hit that water, you’re going to feel cold water shock and it’s going to be a big problem.” The D-N-R offers a series of paddling courses during the warm weather months, and Robertson says they’ll touch on cold weather precautions, but the best way to learn is from another expert.

He says there are plenty of veteran winter kayakers around Iowa who are willing to share their knowledge. “If you can find those groups, whether it be social media or through local paddling clubs, get hooked up with the right people, because you don’t want to paddle alone anyway, you want to go out with three or four really experienced people,” Robertson says. “Just get out there, put your feelers out on social media, you’ll come across some people.” He recommends paddlers always wear a life jacket, let a friend or loved one know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and bring a dry bag with extra clothing to change into should you get wet.

Find the DNR’s interactive paddling map HERE:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/paddling-river-recreation/where-paddle

Cass County: Corn $4.11 Beans $10.05
Adair County: Corn $4.08 Beans $10.08
Adams County: Corn $4.08 Beans $10.04
Audubon County: Corn $4.10 Beans $10.07
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.14 Beans $10.05
Guthrie County: Corn $4.13 Beans $10.09
Montgomery County: Corn $4.13 Beans $10.07
Shelby County: Corn $4.14 Beans $10.05

Oats: $2.67 (same in all counties)

(Prices are per bushel; information is from the area Farm Service Agency [FSA] offices)

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced Tuesday the Iowa Farm Act, a legislative plan to support Iowa farmers and rural communities. “The Iowa Farm Act is about meeting today’s challenges while preparing for the future. It brings together ideas we have heard directly from farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across the state,” said Secretary Naig.

Key Provisions of the Iowa Farm Act:

Tax Relief:

• Expands retired farmer rental income tax exemption to partnerships, S corporations, trusts and estates.
• Eliminates grain excise tax for cooperatives and grain handlers.
• Exempts honeybee purchases from sales tax.
• Exempts above-ground storage tanks under 91,000 gallons from property tax.

Transportation & Logistics:

• Modernizes agricultural equipment transportation standards for improved safety.
• Increases truck weight allowances for dairy products to reduce hauling costs.

Biosecurity and Protecting Producers:

• Protects producer confidentiality during disease outbreaks to encourage early reporting.
• Authorizes the Department to store disease response equipment.

Modernizing Department Functions and Improving Government Efficiency:

• Streamlines Iowa Code by eliminating outdated language and reducing duplication.
• Provides flexibility in large-scale inspections with alternative methods.
• Clarifies Grain Indemnity Fund updates.
• Expands marketing opportunities for Iowa-made agricultural products.

Naig is also requesting a $1.335 million budget increase to maintain essential operations in animal health, food safety, consumer protection, and water quality initiatives as part of the Department’s FY27 proposal.

Ag leaders across the state say they are thankful for Naig’s efforts in strengthening Iowa’s farming community.

(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Among those named was Starlyn Perdue, who was appointed State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Iowa.

Starlyn Perdue serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. A lifelong resident of southwest Iowa, Starlyn and her husband raise their sons on their family’s Century Farm. With a background in economic development, agricultural advocacy, and program administration, Starlyn is committed to strengthening Iowa’s rural economy through workforce training and business development. She remains deeply rooted in Iowa’s agricultural community and is a strong advocate for policies that support farmers and strengthen America’s rural economy.

Ag Secretary Rollins said in a news release: “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply committed to uplifting rural America and putting Farmers First. With strong experience in agriculture, public service, and national security, this team will protect family farms, expand opportunities, and proudly implement America First policies. I look forward to working together to deliver real results for the American people, particularly the farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed and fuel our nation.”

Others appointed by Sec. Rollins include:

• The Honorable Doug Hoelscher Appointed as Minister-Counselor at the International Food and Agriculture Organizations in Rome, Italy.
• Tate Bennett Appointed as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff
• Hailey Ghee Appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations
• Mireya Brogan Appointed as Chief of Staff for Risk Management Agency
• Troy Romero Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Louisiana
• Chris Lyons Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
• Dominic Restuccia Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Michigan
• Travis Day Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in New Mexico
• Robert Sullivan Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Connecticut
• Cory Atkins Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Delaware
• Philip Cowee Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Nevada
• Wilmer Stoneman III Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Virginia
• Patrick Bell Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Washington
• Kennon White Appointed to Assistant Chief South Region for Natural Resources Conservation Service

Read more, here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAOC/bulletins/402d41f

Cass County: Corn $4.10 Beans $10.03
Adair County: Corn $4.07 Beans $10.06
Adams County: Corn $4.07 Beans $10.02
Audubon County: Corn $4.09 Beans $10.05
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.13 Beans $10.03
Guthrie County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.07
Montgomery County: Corn $4.12 Beans $10.05
Shelby County: Corn $4.13 Beans $10.03

Oats: $2.66 (same in all counties)

(Prices are per bushel; information is from the area Farm Service Agency [FSA] offices)

Cass County: Corn $4.09 Beans $9.99
Adair County: Corn $4.06 Beans $10.02
Adams County: Corn $4.06 Beans $9.98
Audubon County: Corn $4.08 Beans $10.01
East Pottawattamie County: Corn $4.12 Beans $9.99
Guthrie County: Corn $4.11 Beans $10.03
Montgomery County: Corn $4.11 Beans $10.01
Shelby County: Corn $4.12 Beans $9.99

Oats: $2.66 (same in all counties)

(Prices are per bushel; information is from the area Farm Service Agency [FSA] offices)