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Agriculture

Iowa corn beginning to silk, soybeans blooming ahead of normal

Across the state of Iowa, approximately 2% of planted corn acres are beginning to silk, and 13% of soybean acres are blooming, which is five days ahead of the five-year average, according to the crop progress and condition report.

Farm Bureau report: Iowa consumers worry about government-caused increases in food costs

The Iowa Farm Bureau’s latest food and farm index found that among concerns of the high cost of groceries, the overwhelming majority of Iowa grocery shoppers surveyed are concerned about increases to food prices caused by government regulations. The annual survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, also found that more consumers are seeking locally grown […]

Nearly half of Iowa corn acres planted

Despite another week of rainy conditions, which left an average of just over three days suitable for field work, Iowa farmers have more corn and soybeans in the ground than this time last year. Corn planted in the state reached 49%, which is three days ahead of 2024 planting but two days behind the average. […]

Making sex deadly for insects could control pests that carry disease and harm crops

Mosquitoes cause around a million deaths per year. So, scientists are coming up with genetic engineering techniques that could lower their numbers.

Agriculture secretary oversees food production, rural life, and nutrition programs that help millions afford healthy diets

The USDA oversees food production and much more. However, it has little direct power to reduce food prices – a centerpiece of President Trump’s campaign.

3 ways AI can help farmers tackle the challenges of modern agriculture

For all the attention on flashy new artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, the challenges of regulating AI, and doomsday scenarios of superintelligent machines, AI is a useful tool in many fields. In fact, it has enormous potential to benefit humanity. …

Featured web extras

Former Navy SEALs are diving to save the ocean

Reasons to be Cheerful reports on Force Blue, where veterans use their skills for marine conservation, healing both ocean and themselves.

Are you covered? Why renters insurance is more important than ever

(BPT) - Renting your home? You're not alone. According to Pew Research, more than 44 million households in the U.S. were rented in 2024 — that's more than one-third of all homes. And the number …

Rising from obscurity: Unique baby names gaining sudden popularity in 2025

Spokeo reports unique baby names like Truce and Azaiah are rising in popularity in 2025, reflecting cultural shifts and parental values.

Considering anesthesia for a tattoo? What anesthesiologists say you need to know

(BPT) - Tattoos have gone mainstream — about one in three U.S. adults has at least one. Some people consider the pain of getting a tattoo part of the experience or a rite of passage. Others may …

How to power the AI economy while supporting local communities

Bloom Energy reports on how onsite power, like fuel cells, can support AI's energy needs while minimizing costs and pollution for local communities.

3 basic ingredients, a million possibilities: How small pizzerias succeed with uniqueness in an age of chain restaurants

While economic forces have streamlined many global dishes into uniform, predictable formats, pizza continues to thrive in all its messy and delicious variety.

5 ways to help make more affordable (and sustainable) choices at the pharmacy

(BPT) - Health care essentials like over-the-counter (OTC) products can quickly add up and eat into your budget. Whether you're buying pain medication to manage headaches or antibiotic ointment for …