OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meat production has rebounded from its low point during the coronavirus pandemic when dozens of plants were closed, but experts say consumer prices are likely to remain high. They also say it will take months to work through the backlog of millions of pigs and cattle that was created this spring, creating headaches for producers.

Mike Drinnin reaches out to a cow at a feedlot in Columbus, Neb., Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Drinnin, who owns feedlots in Nebraska, said everyone involved in raising and feeding cattle felt the squeeze this spring when beef and pork processing plants were operating at roughly 60 percent of capacity amid the coronavirus pandemic. It’s welcome news that production is now above 95 percent of last year’s level, but a backlog of millions of pigs and cattle remains. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

The U.S. Agriculture Department says beef, pork and poultry plants were operating at more than 95% of last year’s levels earlier this week. That was up from about 60% in April at the height of plant closures and slowdowns at the height of the plant closures and slowdowns.

DES MOINES — The Iowa DNR is offering a new grant opportunity to help address food waste, an issue that negatively impacts environmental, economic and social sustainability in Iowa and across the country. The competitive grant opportunity helps efforts to expand storage and cold storage of donated food. Food banks, food pantries and other non-profit organizations receiving donated food for distribution to food insecure Iowans are eligible to apply.

Information and application materials can be downloaded under the “food waste” tab at www.iowadnr.gov/FABA. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funds have been awarded.

Officials with the Pottawattamie County Fair Board said today (Thursday), “With heavy hearts and much discussion, the Pottawattamie County Fairboard has made the decision to postpone all non-4-H/FFA contests and events for the 2020 Pottawattamie County Fair in Avoca. There will be no ATV/Snowmobile races, Mud Races, Tractor pull, or open class events at this year’s Pottawattamie County Fair.”

They said also, “This was a tough decision to make, but the health and welfare of our community comes first. Our youth will be able to exhibit the work they have done on their projects with
a different format. We will be live streaming the livestock shows and posting pictures and results of all the youth contests on our website and Facebook pages.

We thank you for your support and understanding and hope to get back to the type of fair we all love in 2021.”

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A soil scientist whose research has led to improved food production and a better understanding of how atmospheric carbon can be held in the soil improving climate change is this year’s recipient of the World Food Prize. Rattan Lal is a professor of soil science at Ohio State University and founding director of its Carbon Management and Sequestration Center. He was announced as the 2020 winner of the prize during an online ceremony on Thursday.

Lal’s research has demonstrated how healthy soils result in higher crop yields, while requiring less land, chemicals, tillage, water and energy. The foundation that awards the $250,000 prize is based in Des Moines.

MCGREGOR, Iowa — Officials with the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources report, that around 3:30-p.m. Saturday, June 6th, Iowa DNR Parks staff received a report of a deaf woman that was lost and possibly injured at Pikes Peak State Park. Several crews were dispatched to assist with the search efforts including the MarMac Police Department, MarMac Rescue, McGregor Hook & Ladder Company 1, Tri-State Ambulance Service, a DNR conservation officer, a Clayton County conservation officer, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department, and other DNR Parks Staff.

As crews searched the trails, they would stop to listen as dispatch had instructed the deaf woman to play music loudly on her phone to help anyone nearby locate her. DNR Park Manager Matt Tschirgi, as well as a Clayton County sheriff’s deputy and a Clayton County conservation officer hiked to a ravine, where the woman was believed to be. Manager Tschirgi located the woman deep in the ravine. The woman was able to communicate that her ankle was in pain so they provided her immediate medical attention and then used a stretcher to help her out of the 500-foot-high bluff until an ATV was able to access her.

The DNR says it is very thankful for the swift response of the dedicated staff, law enforcement and first responders that were able to locate and rescue the woman. They remind hikers to stay on the trails marked with signage, to never hike alone, and to always carry a cell phone or way of communication and water to stay hydrated.

Officials with the Iowa State Fair, Wednesday (today), report the Fair will not be held this year. A statement on their social media page, read: “This year, we’re heartbroken to say we won’t be able to come together to celebrate the year’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement at the Iowa State Fair.

Right now, we’re all doing our part to stay safe. So while our grounds will remain quiet, nothing can shut down the spirit of the Iowa State Fair. Some of those traditions might have to be brought closer to home or we might have to make memories in new ways. And while this isn’t the Fair we were planning to have in 2020, we’ll ride this experience together.

Until next year, keep growing, showing, and doing your Blue Ribbon best. Because one thing we’ve learned is that it only gets better from here. Fairwell for now, and we’ll see you August 12-22, 2021. For more information, please visit our FAQ page at iowastatefair.org/about/fair-updates. “

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone on Iowa waterways or at public beaches to use caution and exercise all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. Over a three day period between Saturday and Monday, Iowa DNR conservation officers responded to drownings across the state that resulted in five fatalities.* Initial reports are that many were not wearing life jackets at the time of the drownings. The DNR is reminding everyone to heed the safety tips below when recreating in Iowa. *The DNR assisted local agencies with these drownings. Any immediate details, including press releases on the incidents, were handled by local authorities.

Boating safety tips – Common safety tips while enjoying Iowa’s lakes and rivers:

• Wear your life jacket, it floats, you don’t! Any children 12 and under must wear a lifejacket at all times on a vessel underway in Iowa.
• Every boat or vessel must have a wearable life jacket for everyone on board; a USCG approved throw-able flotation device is also required on vessels 16’ or longer.
• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Wind, sun glare and heat can enhance the effects of alcohol, hindering the operator’s ability to make necessary decisions.
• The same limit of .08 for operating a vehicle under the influence applies to boating.
• Always have a designated operator that avoids consuming alcohol.
• Make sure there is a charged fire extinguisher on board, as well as a horn/whistle.
• Slow down and watch for other boaters or personal watercraft, have patience.
• Avoid dams and other hazards on waterways.
• Obey all posted warning signs and rules.
• Drain plugs and other water draining devices must be removed and/or remain open during transport to avoid spreading of invasive species.

Swimming/beach safety tips
With many city pools closed for the summer, people are flocking to the public beaches across the state to keep cool, as well as on the lakes and rivers. DNR Parks staff remind visitors to keep their physical distance from others, not gather in groups of larger than 10 and obey all posted signage and rules. Alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches. Because the beaches are busier this summer, staff are encouraging visitors to utilize the non-peak times and days. For the busier beaches/parks, the non-peak days usually include Sundays through Thursdays, and Fridays before 5:00 pm. If you plan to go to the beaches on Saturdays, the non-peak hours are usually before noon.

Parks staff may temporarily close parking lots when they become full and limit the number of visitors at that point. The DNR recommends visitors go to another nearby park or beach that is not as heavily populated. Visitors are reminded to only park in designated parking spaces. All violators will be cited by staff.

The DNR Parks staff shares some common safety tips while swimming at the beaches:

• Stay within the roped in area
• Swim with a buddy
• Obey posted signs and flags
• Wear a life jacket or some kind of personal flotation device if needed
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water as needed
• Iowa’s public beaches do not have lifeguards on duty

Paddling safety tips
After staying at home for months, paddlers are enjoying the splash of the water, scenic views, and wildlife viewing from Iowa’s rivers, rapids and streams. Many new paddlers are getting out on the water for the first time this summer.

Stay safe each time you paddle with these simple safety tips.

• Always wear your life jacket.
• Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times.
• The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
• Let others know where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return.
• Avoid sandbar crowds and “rafting” up together. Tubers are reminded not to go in groups larger than 10 and don’t tie tubes to one another.
• Always know your river conditions before you go paddling.
• For the latest river conditions, visit this link:
  Check the Iowa DNR’s interactive paddler’s map at www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle for updates on real-time hazards like downed trees and log jams, strainers and bridge construction. Pay attention to the dam warning signs and know where dams are located before you head out on the water.
  Find individual water trail maps, including access points, visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Water-Trail-Maps-Brochures.

The DNR wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable time while enjoying Iowa’s natural resources.

• KJAN, Atlantic  .58″
• 7 miles NNE of Atlantic  .6″
• 9 miles north of Atlantic  1.5″
• Massena  1.08″
• Anita  .97″
• Avoca  1.1″
• Oakland  1.33″
• Audubon  .9″
• Guthrie Center  .84″
• Bridgewater  .9″
• Villisca  1.6″
• Corning  .9″
• Manning  1.19″
• Irwin  .98″
• Missouri Valley  1.52″
• Underwood  1.41″
• Logan  1.61″
• Red Oak  1.59″
• Shenandoah  1.34″
• Clarinda  1.07″
• Creston  2.08″
• Carroll  .65″

w/Kate Olson.

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(Radio Iowa) — Warm, dry weather helped with planting and crop growth this past week.  The U-S-D-A says the corn planting is virtually complete and 97 percent of the corn in the ground has already emerged. That’s more than two weeks ahead of last year and ten days ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-five percent of the corn is rated in good to excellent condition. The soybean crop is not too far behind — with just three percent left to be planted. That’s three weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of average. The report says 87 percent of beans have emerged and 82 percent are in good to excellent condition.