×
×
homepage logo

Local News

Where have all the bees gone?

Bee colony losses across the nation have come to a critical juncture, with newly analyzed data confirming losses of 1.6 million colonies. Commercial beekeepers have sustained an average loss of 62 percent of their hives between June of 2024 and March of 2025, according to data released in April by the American Beekeeping Federation. The federation said survey responses and field analyses reinforce concerns about the long-term viability of pollination services critical to U.S. agriculture, and that without immediate intervention, ripple effects could drive up costs for farmers, ...

Specialist: Don’t graze pastures too early

RUNNELLS — When Doug Pontious and Dawn Refsell first met, they realized they shared a common denominator — their love for agriculture. Refsell grew up on a grain and livestock farm near ...

Hart: Cattle prices are strong in 2025

RUNNELLS — When Doug Pontious and Dawn Refsell first met, they realized they shared a common denominator — their love for agriculture. Refsell grew up on a grain and livestock farm near ...

Columns

Market Insider Weekly Newsletter

NEWS *The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement to strengthen efforts against the New World screwworm after U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned of potential restrictions on Mexican cattle imports if Mexico did not act more aggressively. Following discussions with ...

Hometown Cookin' Favorites

Spring planting means more meals on the go

Spring planting season is underway and with the much needed rainfalls, I’m sure the season brings its challenging moments. Not only are the farmers busy but farm wives are being kept busier with preparing their vegetable gardens, assisting with hauling supplies and running necessary farm ...

Editorials

Celebrating Beef Month in Iowa

During the month of May, it is worth noting that it is a time to celebrate an important meat product. May is Beef Month. For many of us, every month is a time to partake of a food that ranks high on the list of culinary favorites. It’s no secret that Americans have a love affair with ...