Monday AM Daily | July 3, 2017

Successful Farming released its 10 Up & Comers in Agriculture list, highlighting whom to watch in the future of the industry. Three Iowans were selected to headline the nationwide lineup whose areas of expertise range from ag tech to pest control.

Grant Kimberly of Ankeny focuses on building relationships and demand within the soybean market as director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association. Kimberly also serves as executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board and has pushed initiatives to further implement the fuel source across the state. His full profile can be read here. 

Nathan Katzer of Ellsworth turned a lifelong affinity toward fish into a unique aquaculture operation, a 3.8-acre tilapia-farming facility. Currently, the world's largest tilapia farm produces 4 million pounds of tilapia a year in a 2.3-acre greenhouse in Virginia. Katzer expects the first crop to be ready later this summer. His full profile can be read here. 

Meaghan Anderson of Iowa City has become one of the foremost voices in the fight against Palmer amaranth in Iowa, the so-called demon weed that can cut corn yields by up to 91 percent. Anderson, a field agronomist for Iowa State University stationed in Iowa City, was one of the first researchers with boots on the ground after the most recent Palmer amaranth infestation in the state, and her research has spurred awareness campaigns on how to identify and manage the weed. Her full profile can be found here.

Des Moines a top market for multifamily housing investors
When it comes to prime cities for institutional investment in apartment buildings, Des Moines ranks near the top, according to National Real Estate Investor. In June, the commercial real estate publication took a look at trends in the multifamily market, including deliveries of large projects and the resulting upward pressure on vacancies. The publication then selected the best and worst markets for institutional investors. Des Moines ranked No. 3 on the best list, behind Boston and Denver. National Real Estate Investor took note of an apartment vacancy rate of 5.2 percent in 2016 and remarked that although vacancies could increase this year, they should remain below 6 percent. In addition, rental rates for three-bedroom apartments are to increase 6.8 percent this year. Here are the lists of best and worst cities for investors.

Junior League honors members who put in big efforts over the last year
Junior League of Des Moines has recognized four members "who made outstanding contributions" to the organization and the community over the past year, according to a release. Susan Hatten received the Community Service award for her contributions to developing the sponsorship strategy for the league this year. Katie Bradshaw was named Active Member of the Year for working long hours during the move of the league's Bargain Basket store as well as other league initiatives. Kelley Girardin was named New Member of the Year after she "quickly ascended into her role as Bargain Basket chair." Sarah Bonefas is the league's Sustainer of the Year after mentoring many league board and management team members.

Why Iowa's low unemployment is likely hurting its economy
Des Moines Register: Iowa's 3.1 percent unemployment rate is the lowest the state has seen in 16 years — so low that experts worry it could hinder the state's economic growth. "You can't grow jobs if you don't have someone" to fill them, said Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University in Omaha.

Tesla's first mass-market car, the Model 3, hits production this week
New York Times: Tesla Motors' first mass-market car, the Model 3, will begin rolling off the line on Friday, two weeks earlier than planned, the company's chief executive said. Elon Musk said production would increase quickly, with 100 Model 3s produced in August and 1,500 or more in September. He said that he expected the company to be able to produce 20,000 per month beginning in December.