Since retiring from farming, I have reflected on it more than needed. While there are parts I could have done better, it also showed me how hard it is for a younger generation to gain a foothold in today’s farming world. It is no secret that farmers are an older bunch, and consolidation keeps ...
A farmers market is a popular launching point for many small businesses. When demand grows and the opportunity arises to reach more customers, scaling up your operation for wholesale can be an exciting next step. Here are some tips. 1. Assess your readiness: Take stock of your current ...
Over the past decade since my fellow Iowans sent me to Washington to make the big spenders squeal, I’ve been exposing waste, fraud, and abuse almost too insane to believe. Recently, I was proud to see some of that work deliver a win for Iowa taxpayers. Both the Senate and House passed the ...
Rural economic development comes in many forms, however, in Iowa, wind energy is a dominant presence and Adair County is a great example of that. Adair County contributes to Iowa’s status as the second highest producing state of wind energy, hosting more than 500 turbines, or 8% of all ...
Well, after the week of July 6-13 with all the turmoil it sounded like Tama County might be going in the right direction to save some money. Supervisors Mark Doland and David Turner were ready to stop litigation. So it was placed on the agenda for the Monday, July 14 meeting. But they decided ...
With the wrapping up of the Urbandale 4th of July celebration and the largest community event in Urbandale, it is a committee I have enjoyed being on. It matters because my participation in this event as the parade director would not have happened if not for Clutier Fun Days (now the Bohemian ...
I write this column having just received the news that the IRS has asked a judge to create an exception to the Johnson Amendment, which currently prevents churches from campaigning for or against political candidates or parties. Opponents of this motion point out that it will lead to a cascade ...
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Clean energy advocates are applauding Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) leadership to support the wind and solar energy industries in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Grassley successfully got the wind energy industry off the ground by instituting America’s first-ever ...
Twice each year, billions of birds migrate between their winter and summer homes, and most fly at night, using the night sky to help them navigate. During the day they rest and feed before taking off again when night falls. Artificial light at night and skyglow around cities can disorient ...
On Saturday, June 28, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Iowa CCI members and others at the Henry A. Wallace Farm north of Orient. It was a reunion of sorts for many of us who first got involved and formed the Adair-Madison CCI chapter in the early 2000s. I got involved with Iowa CCI in ...