Farming

The Kalona Historical Village in southeast Iowa may be a tourism spot geared toward the past, but its features and exhibits have constantly evolved.

Running a farm is no easy task. This hour, how that becomes even more challenging when dementia enters the picture.

The City of Ankeny is researching the use of drones as first responders, potentially dispatching them to emergencies ahead of police officers.

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.