Iowa’s rural landscape has changed drastically as farming has become less labor intensive in the last century. There was a time when the countryside was filled with the assorted buildings needed in the farm economy. Today’s larger farms have far fewer structures. If there is one ...
It is not too early to make plans to attend this year’s version of the annual Ag Show held by Farm News. CJ Bio America will present the 22nd annual Farm News Ag Show Dec. 6-7 at the Webster County Fairgrounds south of Fort Dodge at 22770 Old Highway 169. The show will run from 9 a.m. to ...
October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state. It’s unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the ...
To the editor: David Kruse’s column (Farm News, Aug. 23, 2004) begins, “Capitalism can be brutal.” He says the downturn in grain prices may put some farmers out of business, but that’s just how the system works. The fact is he is not a defender of family farms and doesn’t know ...
Siloes and big barns are usually the first buildings someone spots when driving by a farm. But tucked somewhere in between them is the structure that is the real heart of any Iowa farm — the farmhouse. Farmhouses come in all shapes and sizes. Often, they are older buildings that have been ...
Nobody knows exactly how long humans have cultivated the soybean, but agricultural historians seem quite certain its domestication as a crop in China dates back three millennia. There are actually Chinese records documenting soybean growth as far back as the 11th century. There is some ...
In his latest rant (Aug. 9 issue) bemoaning Summit’s CO2 pipeline delay, David Kruse omitted key facts and pointed out a problem with Iowa’s eminent domain laws. As one of the “holdouts” who refuses to sign an easement, allow me to fill in the gaps. The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) ...
In a state, indeed, even a nation, full of county fairs, the one held every year in Clay County stands out. Its reputation for excellence was upheld again this year. Thousands of people flocked to the fairgrounds to see all the exhibits. Artists like Trace Adkins entertained huge crowds. The ...
To the editor: Farm News’ coverage of the carbon pipeline issue is to be commended. Bonnie Ewoldt and David Kruse seem to have extensive knowledge of the subject (Aug. 9, 2024). Here are some other points that should be included: Tax credits of $45 billion given to pipeline investors is ...
After reading the Farm News Aug. 8th column by David Kruse concerning the controversy over carbon pipelines, eminent domain and water usage, it is kind of like reading about a chicken with its head cut off! The most revealing statement came from Kruse when he claimed, “Bruce Rastetter is ...