Courtesy of the campaigns
Iowa’s water quality has been a major focus in the run-up to electing the state’s next secretary of agriculture. The two candidates believe in different approaches — with Democrat Chris Jones proposing more regulations and incumbent Republican Mike Naig strongly opposed, saying it would hurt small- and medium-sized farmers.
Madeleine Charis King
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Iowa Public Radio
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What’s a leafy green that’s packed with protein? It’s not spinach — it’s lenga lenga! The vegetable is a staple ingredient in many central and eastern African recipes. This harvest season, you can try the superfood at Global Greens’ International Market in Des Moines. -
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins outlined plans to support cattle producers and streamline how the USDA collects and uses data at the Farm Progress Show. -
Painter Rose Frantzen of Maquoketa recently won top honors at the prestigious Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition. Frantzen, co-founder of the Maquoketa Art Experience, discusses her career and why Iowa is where she makes her home. Then, Tamara Marcus, owner of Empowered Solutions Collective, discusses how a gardening and yoga class helps Cedar Rapids youth make sustainability a part of their everyday lives.
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A new report identifies challenges to agricultural diversification in the Corn Belt and policy changes that could make it easier to grow different crops or integrate livestock and trees. -
There are many Indigenous people in this country working on food sovereignty. The best known member of this movement is Chef Sean Sherman, founder and CEO of The Sioux Chef, which specializes in pre-colonization cuisine. Host Charity Nebbe talks with Sherman about his latest co-authored book, 'Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America,' and he will be speaking at the inaugural Iowa Culinary Conference on June 22 in Coralville. Also, the 50th Loess Hills Prairie Seminar takes place May 29-31, hosted by Monona County Conservation. This free event started in 1977 as a modest, back to nature event for local educators, and has now expanded to include dozens of activities for conservationists, families and beyond.
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There are a number of nonprofits operating in Iowa that are focused on giving beginning farmers access to land, education and equipment. On this episode, we hear about four of these organizations, and how they've been impacted by the sudden termination of a grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Curtis Sittenfeld's short story collection, 'Show Don't Tell,' captures both the mess and the gifts of aging. Then, Shalika Kindurangala, the owner of a Piece & Freedom Bakery, a Ukrainian bakery in Ames, is creating community amid war at home. (Portions of this episode were originally produced March. 6, 2025 and Jan. 29, 2025)
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Each year, Choose Iowa awards grants to local farmers and agriculture-related businesses. The state initiative also helps promote products made and grown in Iowa — and it’s continuing to grow. One western Iowa farm is thriving with support from the program. -
The prestigious James Beard Awards, which recognize culinary excellence in the U.S., released its list of 2026 semifinalists. It includes a bakery in Iowa City, a cocktail bar in Des Moines and chefs at two Des Moines restaurants.
