crops

On this Newsbuzz edition, we break down the latest from the Iowa Statehouse with Marissa Payne of the 'Des Moines Register' and NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben joins to discuss how the war against Iran is impacting farmers. We also discuss the Hawkeye men's basketball team's historic run so far during March Madness and the Iowa State men's team with sports writer Mike Hlas. Plus the upcoming severe weather season and federal court rulings on immigration in Iowa.

For more than 60 years, Iowa State University has sponsored an annual land survey. This year shows a small increase that lags behind inflation.

Water restrictions for nearly a fifth of the Iowa’s population brought the state’s nitrate challenges to the forefront. Water quality experts say certain practices higher up in the watershed could make a difference if they are scaled up.

A fungal disease that can cut corn yields in half in severe cases has been detected in at least 40 counties in Iowa. Strong winds and a hot, humid summer have helped southern rust spread earlier and farther this year.

Across much of the Midwest, the atmosphere is becoming warmer and retaining more water, leading to heavier downpours. A two-crop system called relay intercropping could help farmers buffer weather whiplash and boost profits.

The agriculture department’s annual projections show a slowing economy and lower crop prices for the upcoming year. The USDA also looks ahead to the next decade, showing rising crop yields but a competitive job market.

Farmers say Title One — a farm bill program that sends money when crop prices or harvests get low enough — isn’t working as a buffer against tough years. Yet others argue the nearly 100-year-old safety net is costing billions of dollars with few strings attached.

Much of the research on regenerative farming practices, such as no-till or cover crops, has looked at the benefits to the environment and the soil. Now a new study finds these farming practices also have economic benefits for farmers.

Federally subsidized crop insurance made record-high payouts last year. While climate change is making farming more risky, the federal program often shields producers at taxpayer expense. Some argue it’s time that the fast-growing program encourages farmers to mitigate their risks.

A longtime farmer shares his thoughts on this growing season and the potential impact of heat, humidity, and wind on potential corn yields.