As Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) approach their 50th anniversary of services to Iowans, they do so in the midst of significant change brought about by decisions made during the 2024 legislative session. These changes, most notably a reduction in nearly $75 million in funding, will have ...
Taxing carbon pollution is a favored way to combat climate change because it is easy to apply. Put a tax on the carbon emitted by a manufacturing process and let the market decide whether the extra cost of a product is worth it. A carbon tax is also fair. Manufacturers should pay for the ...
This year’s weather feels different. With farming, paying attention to the weather is key. Three tabs are open on my phone’s web browser with weather related information which does not include also checking the weather app. The previous two years were so easy. Look at the forecast, see no ...
We reached the end of the 2024 Legislative Session in the early hours of Saturday, April 20. We were in session for 103 days, including 37 days of voting on the House Floor. We passed 295 bills in the House, and 85% of these bills, 252, were non-partisan votes. I want to share with you what I ...
Let’s start with the price: $7,170. That’s the insurance quote I got this week from the only company that will insure us. The only company. Apparently “agritourism” – having tourists on your farm for classes or pizza night or to pet goat kids — is a no-no in Iowa now. And ...
A few years back, Reverend Mark Stringer, who later became the Executive Director of Iowa’s ACLU, came to preach at a church I worked for. It was another politically charged era, and many of the members of our left-leaning congregation were having trouble navigating families and communities ...
If you are a farmland owner and you have not had a discussion about cover crops on your land with your farmer, it may be in your best interest. Most family land is more than likely going to be passed down to the next generation so why not ensure it is in the best shape? The best way to protect ...
Greetings friends and neighbors! Just before 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, the Iowa Senate adjourned for the year. About an hour later, the House of Representatives adjourned, concluding the 2024 legislative session. The final day was a marathon, with lots of bills making their way to the ...
In the heart of Iowa, Tama County is on the brink of a pivotal change. Lucas Dvorak, a name synonymous with dedication, expertise, and community involvement, has announced his candidacy for the position of Tama County Sheriff. With nearly 15 years of commendable service within the Sheriff's ...
There are plenty of old wives tales like if it rains before seven, it is done by 11. Another agriculture one is, which I did not believe was true at first, when farmers start making money, everyone else in the ag industry makes good money. I am also a numbers person. I was phenomenal with ...