h digitalfootprint web 728x90

Ag and Environment

Combine harvesting wheat Getty

Farmland leasing meetings to address key topics for owners, tenants of Iowa farmland

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is organizing a series of farmland leasing meetings in July and August, held at various times and locations throughout the state. These annual meetings aim to provide guidance and …
By Business Record Staff | Jul 10, 2023
Iowa Farm Bureau logo

Iowa Farm Bureau announces Young Farmer Leadership Awards

Three Iowa farmers younger than age 35 received Young Farmer Leadership Awards, the Iowa Farm Bureau announced Tuesday. The award, created in honor of former Iowa Farm Bureau President Bob Joslin, recognizes young farmers who …
By Business Record Staff | Jun 21, 2023
Combine harvesting wheat Getty

Rural economy expands despite growing fears of drought

Iowa’s rural economy expanded in June as hiring expectations improved, but despite increased optimism concerns over drought grew, according to a monthly survey of rural bank managers.

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index showed that the …
By Business Record Staff | Jun 16, 2023
local produce

30 mini-grants awarded for Iowa Farm to Summer “Root for Radishes!” campaign

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has granted $300 mini-grants to 30 sponsors participating in the Iowa Farm to Summer campaign, “Root for Radishes!” These grants aim to support the purchase of local …
By Business Record Staff | Jun 15, 2023
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship square

Iowa ag department announces funding for 16 urban water quality projects

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has partnered in 16 urban water quality projects across the state, investing nearly $2.8 million. These projects will include bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain …
By Business Record Staff | May 5, 2023
briowacover

Meet Breanna Horsey

Family: Husband Tim, 10-year-old daughter Amelia, adult stepson Bazyl, dog Vinny, chinchilla Mango 

Education: Bachelor’s in environmental science, graduate degree
in organizational leadership from Buena Vista University 

Hometown: Angleton, Texas, currently lives in Storm Lake…
By Emily Kestel | Apr 14, 2023

River cleanup and action program launches April 14

Iowa Rivers Revival, a statewide environmental nonprofit, is launching a new program called Service Squad on April 14. The program aims to educate Iowa’s residents on the importance of clean waterways, create cleaner rivers, and …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 12, 2023
FM Header

Downtown Farmers’ Market opening day announced

Des Moines is set to host the opening day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market on May 6. The market, which takes place every Saturday from May through October, supports over 300 local small businesses from …
By Business Record Staff | Apr 12, 2023
image 28

ISU Research Park, Alliant Energy partner on ag innovation lab

A digital rendering of the new Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab that will be built at the Iowa State University Research Park. Image provided by Alliant Energy.

A new collaborative office and agricultural workshop space …
By Michael Crumb | Mar 24, 2023
combine soybeans

Higher interest, labor shortages constrain growth as Iowa’s rural economy slows

Iowa’s rural economy declined sharply in March, down more than 10 points, as employment slowed, according to a survey of rural bank managers.

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index for Iowa, released Thursday, fell to 46.7, …
By Michael Crumb | Mar 17, 2023