Libraries are a vital part of our rural communities. That’s why I invite you to celebrate the library in your small town during National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026. These book-filled buildings serve as community spaces, wi-fi hotspots, children’s imagination stations, and more. Many ...
With the planting season off to a slow start thanks to the always compelling Iowa weather, it is the time of year when hope is at its best. Being a farmer, optimism is key to starting every year. Farming is truly blind faith. No matter what the plan for the growing season and how good it is, ...
Week 14 (April 13-17) in the Iowa Senate was another busy week as the session winds down. This week, the Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) announced the launch of the Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project. The project is initially going ...
Craig Fish, a Toledo, Iowa resident of nearly 35 years, was recently recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for his 50 years of volunteer hunter education instruction. At a meeting held in Linn County on March 17, Fish received an award for his 50 years of volunteerism. In ...
As I drove through parts of West Des Moines while a sleeping baby rested in his car seat, I was astonished by the homes. Despite this trip being slightly unique because it was due to letting a previously crying, very tired baby rest, I have always been astonished by these types of neighborhoods ...
Spring has arrived, and with it comes a fresh wave of energy across Dysart. You can feel it downtown. Events like Spring Fling brought people into 19 local businesses, and that kind of activity matters. It boosts visibility, builds connections, and reinforces just how important it is to ...
It has been generally accepted that Earth’s global temperature is rising as the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide increases. However, temperatures currently are rising faster than expected from rising carbon dioxide levels alone. According to research reported in the peer reviewed ...
Walk through any industrial park in our region today, and you are struck by dedication. These local manufacturers – the bedrock of our economies – are more than just businesses; they support our communities. They represent nearly 98% of American manufacturing operations, providing jobs and ...
As the legislative session rapidly draws to a close, it’s clear that much of our time at the Capitol is now focused on floor debate, trying to move the many remaining bills toward final passage. However, I must confess that I’ve been quite disappointed with how this session has unfolded. ...
Retirement from a farm business may not mean moving away or giving up on mentoring the next generation, but it does entail transferring management decisions to someone else. It can be a gradual or sudden process. It may be driven by long-term goals, by sudden health issues, or events outside ...