Farming

Author Peter Simons discusses his book Global Heartland: Cultivating the American Century on the Midwestern Farm. Then, an ISU wildlife extension specialist offers a new resource for Iowans who want to support wildlife.

Some programs that help low-income Iowans access healthy foods are at risk after federal SNAP-Ed funding was eliminated in the major tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump last month.

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.

Scientists discussed pollution, bacteria and other challenges plaguing central Iowa's rivers at an event in Des Moines Monday. The presenters contributed to a two-year assessment of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which includes recommendations at the local, regional and state level.

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.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced last week that it will cut the Regional Food Business Center program, which provides grants to small and medium-sized local farm and food businesses.

The massive legislation extends tax cuts and increases safety nets for farmers who grow commodities, like corn, wheat and rice. But deep cuts to federal food assistance spending could hurt specialty growers who benefit from programs like Double Up Food Bucks.

For many of the domesticated animals we live with, it’s pretty easy to see how they might be related to their wild ancestors — but where did cattle come from? Later, farmer and author Beth Hoffman joins the program to talk about her podcast, At the Iowa Farm Table.

The CyberTractor Challenge is a weeklong event for university students to learn about cybersecurity for agricultural equipment. Experts say the threats are evolving and becoming more complex.

World leaders and top experts in development, agriculture, economic policy, resource management and nutrition gather annually in Iowa for the Norman E. Bourlaug International Dialogue.